Full Breakdown
Progressive Groups Urge AOC and Ro Khanna to Enter 2028 Presidential Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Push for Progressive Candidates in 2028
Two progressive advocacy organizations launched an initiative urging Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) to run for president in the 2028 election.
Background and Recent Successes
Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) highlighted its early support for Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in 2013, while RootsAction noted its role as the first national group to endorse New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s insurgent 2025 campaign.
Who Is Being Targeted
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – U.S. Representative from New York’s 14th district, prominent progressive voice on climate, economic inequality, and anti-war policy.
- Ro Khanna – U.S. Representative from California’s 17th district, known for championing technology-focused climate legislation and foreign-policy reform.
Anticipated Impact
PDA’s executive director Alan Minsky warned that most prospective 2028 Democratic candidates are “big-money-backed status-quo centrists,” and asserted that “Americans want change.” The campaign to persuade the two lawmakers will begin immediately after the November midterm elections.