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Ocasio-Cortez Adopts Cautious Approach to 2026 Endorsements
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is selectively choosing which candidates to endorse and campaign for in the 2026 midterms. She has described her endorsement process as more deliberate than in previous cycles. Interviews with more than a dozen Democratic lawmakers, aides and operatives indicate she is taking time to consider her options ahead of 2028.
May 15, 5:05 AM·3m read1 source
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is approaching the 2026 midterm elections with a more selective strategy for endorsements and campaign appearances than in prior cycles. She added that the absence of an endorsement should not be interpreted as opposition to a candidate.
Ocasio-Cortez has scheduled a rally in Philadelphia on Friday with Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb. Next week she plans to campaign in Montana for a Democrat facing a contested primary. She has also indicated she will assist Democrats with their redistricting efforts following the midterms.
Interviews with more than a dozen Democratic lawmakers, aides and operatives show that Ocasio-Cortez is being deliberative in private discussions as well. Her allies said they will support whatever path she chooses, whether a Senate campaign, a presidential bid or remaining in the House.
“I’m not sure what she might decide,” said Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar. “She’s being strategic, looking at what her options are. I think, oftentimes, people will push you in a direction and set you up for failure. ” Polls cited by Semafor show Ocasio-Cortez leading in a hypothetical Democratic presidential primary and in a matchup against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.
In a recent interview she said her ambitions were “way bigger” than any title or elected office.
Ocasio-Cortez described her lighter pace of congressional endorsements this year as a change from how lawmakers typically use their influence. After playing a more confrontational role in the 2020 cycle, she has evolved into an occasional inside operator in subsequent elections.
