AOC test-runs a Senate bid in upstate New York

Buffalo, N.Y. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's exploration of a 2028 Senate bid is becoming increasingly tangible, overshadowing her presidential rumors. She's been touring upstate New York, engaging with local officials and launching a voter turnout initiative that could provide crucial data for a potential Senate campaign. Why it's significant: Whether AOC, the New York House member, decides to run for Senate or the White House is a major question heading into the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.

Her visits to Buffalo and Ithaca were ostensibly for boosting Democratic turnout in the midterms, but they also served to gauge her appeal outside her usual strongholds in Queens and the Bronx, while building local ties. In Buffalo, she met privately with Mayor Sean Ryan, then hosted an unplanned press conference with him, sparking local media coverage.

She and her team subsequently initiated a voter-turnout operation to gather data from the electorate outside New York City. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized her commitment to transforming New York State, stating, "I want to be very forthright about our intentions here, which is to transform the state of New York." In Ithaca, she celebrated with Rep. Josh Riley (D-N.Y.) at an apple festival and planned to headline a "Students vs. Billionaires" town hall.

This is familiar territory: The city boasts several democratic socialist elected officials, and Ocasio-Cortez is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. The mystery: AOC has expressed genuine uncertainty about whether to run for the White House or Senate. Recent activities in upstate New York suggest that her indecision wasn't a ploy.

Ryan indicated that Ocasio-Cortez has been discussing with state officials how to aid communities beyond New York City. Some influential Democrats in early primary states have stated they haven't had direct contact with AOC. Additionally, she hasn't made public appearances in several of those early primary states this year, contrasting with other potential 2028 contenders who are constantly in those areas.

Many political observers believe that if Ocasio-Cortez were to run for an open Senate seat, she would likely defeat the Democratic field. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), in his fifth term, hasn't confirmed if he'll seek re-election. AOC received star treatment on her upstate tour, with Ryan remarking that at City Hall, a young man shouted, "Oh my gosh, congresswoman, can I take a picture with you?"

Yes, but: Ocasio-Cortez's actions also hint at a presidential bid. She's toured the country, moderated her stance on some cultural issues, and discussed her egg-freezing journey. She recently told the New York Times she'll consider running for president after the midterms. Between the lines: AOC's comments about the progressive movement offer insight into her decision-making process.

While many on the left see her as a potential White House standard-bearer following recent progressive leaders, she stressed that "the movement is so much bigger than any one person." The decision won't be solely about ideology, according to her. "These decisions aren't always about punditry or ideology. It's about putting the country first," she said.

"The bottom line is ending the corrupt reign of the Trump administration, as well as any of its acolytes." When asked if electability plays a role in her decision, she replied, "I don't see who wouldn't."