A progressive group known as Ready for AOC has initiated a nationwide campaign to gather signatures supporting a potential 2028 presidential run by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. The organization, which describes itself as people-powered, grassroots, and unaffiliated, launched its efforts on Monday. Its primary objective is to urge the congresswoman’s supporters to formally ask her to run for the highest office in the land.
The campaign’s digital platform emphasizes the importance of early and vocal support. It states that movements succeed when they are loud and established well before a candidate officially announces their intentions. The group argues that the strength of such a movement is demonstrated by the number of names collected rather than financial backing. As of Tuesday morning, the website displayed 804 signatures, although representatives indicate a target of 10,000 community leaders. The group also claims to have secured the support of 500 political and union leaders across 35 states.
Ravi Sahai, a spokesman for the organization, explained to The New York Times that the initiative aims to build the infrastructure for a grassroots movement. This preparation would be in place should Ocasio-Cortez decide to enter the race. Furthermore, the group seeks to demonstrate to the representative that a substantial movement exists behind her, ready to power her to victory if she chooses to run.
Ocasio-Cortez has previously maintained a cautious stance regarding a presidential bid. In July, when asked by Fox News Digital if she would consider running, she noted that she had not seriously weighed anything beyond the midterm elections. However, recent electoral results have emboldened members of the Democratic Socialists of America, who believe the nation is now ready for a far-left president.
Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York City chapter of the DSA, celebrated the midterm results at a watch party in Astoria, Queens. He highlighted the election of a democratic socialist in Tampa, Florida, a Republican-held seat, as evidence that the party is no longer a liability. Gordillo revealed that the DSA will hold a citywide convention in New York on November 14, where members will vote on whether to formally push for Ocasio-Cortez to run.
Despite the increasing speculation, Ocasio-Cortez has downplayed the discussion following the election. She told reporters on Monday that Democrats should focus on governing with the results they received rather than discussing the next election. She emphasized that voters want to know what actions the party will take with the electoral mandate they just secured.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, often cited as the DSA's most prominent success story, recently told NBC that America is absolutely ready for a socialist president. Speaking the day after Election Day, Mamdani argued that the struggles of Americans in cities like Atlanta and Allentown are similar to those in New York. He noted that for ten months, he has heard claims that New York's model would not work elsewhere, but recent elections suggest otherwise.
Mamdani, who frequently campaigned alongside Ocasio-Cortez during her 2025 mayoral race, has not named a specific 2028 candidate. However, reports indicate he is meeting with labor and union leaders to organize a progressive bloc for the upcoming cycle. While a July poll from New Hampshire Granite State identified Ocasio-Cortez as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, a more recent Atlas Insights poll shows her tied with Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga.
Other potential candidates for the Democratic nomination include former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. Fox News Digital reached out to Ocasio-Cortez, the Ready for AOC group, and the DSA for further comment on the developing situation.
