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Cruz Predicts AOC, Newsom as 2028 Democratic Front-Runners

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz predicts that New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Governor Gavin Newsom will be the leading contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.
On his podcast, Cruz argued the progressive wing is unprepared on national security.
He suggested Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer may press Ocasio-Cortez to run to avoid a primary.
Newsom has acknowledged considering a run but downplayed his intentions.

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Story summary

Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz predicts that New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Governor Gavin Newsom will be the leading contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.
On his podcast, Cruz argued the progressive wing is unprepared on national security.
He suggested Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer may press Ocasio-Cortez to run to avoid a primary.
Newsom has acknowledged considering a run but downplayed his intentions.