The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America has officially urged Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to launch a presidential run in 2028. This move is part of a broader effort by democratic socialists to encourage Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent member of their movement, to seek the White House. The resolution, which passed with 291 votes in favor and 123 against, is not an official endorsement but rather a commitment to building the foundation for a potential presidential campaign.
The resolution reflects the priorities that DSA chapters want Ocasio-Cortez to champion, including an arms embargo on Israel, abolishing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and implementing Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. These priorities align with the DSA's working-class political agenda. Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the local DSA chapter, emphasized that the resolution aims to encourage and build the foundation for a presidential campaign capable of advancing this agenda.
This is not the first DSA chapter to pass such a resolution. Chapters in Atlanta, Colorado, Los Angeles, and Ithaca, New York, have already approved similar resolutions encouraging Ocasio-Cortez to run. The DSA's national organization has previously had disagreements with Ocasio-Cortez, including withdrawing its endorsement of her in 2024 due to differences on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite some members expressing opposition to the resolution, citing concerns that Ocasio-Cortez has strayed from DSA's core identity and priorities, Gordillo downplayed any dissent. He noted that the organization rarely reaches unanimous votes on its resolutions and that dissent is not correlated with grassroots organizing. Gordillo emphasized that DSA members would be ready to support a democratic socialist presidential campaign.
Ocasio-Cortez has stated that she will decide her next political move after the midterms, considering both a White House and US Senate run. She is weighing factors such as her ethnicity, personal life, age, and which path is more likely to deliver a win. A spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez did not return a request for comment on the DSA's resolution.
The DSA's effort to encourage Ocasio-Cortez's presidential bid is seen as an opportunity to champion working-class voters and expand the organization's national influence. The resolution frames her potential bid as a chance to advance a working-class political agenda. Gordillo expressed confidence that DSA members would be ready to become foot soldiers for a democratic socialist presidential campaign.
As Ocasio-Cortez considers her next steps, the DSA's resolution reflects the organization's commitment to building a stronger democratic socialist movement. The DSA will create the conditions for a presidential campaign capable of advancing its agenda, according to Gordillo. The outcome of Ocasio-Cortez's decision remains to be seen, but the DSA's effort has provided a glimpse into the priorities and expectations of its members.
Key points
- The New York City DSA chapter passed a resolution urging Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to run for president in 2028.
- The resolution reflects DSA priorities, including an arms embargo on Israel and Medicare for All.
- Ocasio-Cortez has stated she will decide her next political move after the midterms.
