politics
My ambition is to change this country, Ocasio-Cortez says when asked about 2028 run
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told a University of Chicago forum that her goals center on enacting lasting policy changes such as single-payer healthcare and workers' rights rather than seeking higher office. She responded to a direct question about a potential 2028 presidential run by saying presidents and elected officials come and go but core progressive priorities are forever.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said her ambition is focused on changing the country rather than attaining any specific elected office. The congresswoman made the remarks on May 9, 2026, at an event hosted by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics in response to a question from Democratic strategist David Axelrod about whether she is considering a 2028 presidential bid.
“My ambition is way bigger than that,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “They assume that my ambition is positional. They assume that my ambition is a title or a seat, and my ambition is way bigger than that. My ambition is to change this country.”
She added that presidents come and go, as do Senate and House seats, but single-payer healthcare is forever, along with a living wage, workers’ rights and women’s rights. The audience responded with cheers. Ocasio-Cortez said she finds it liberating not to have fixated on a particular office since childhood.
’” she said.
Ocasio-Cortez did not rule out a future run for higher office. She has maintained a high public profile, including joining Sen. Bernie Sanders on a national “Fighting Oligarchy” tour last year. Earlier this year she participated in panels in Germany.
She has long advocated for single-payer healthcare and higher minimum wages while serving as a four-term representative from New York’s 14th District, which covers parts of Queens and the Bronx.
The event occurred days after Ocasio-Cortez appeared on a podcast with comedian Ilana Glazer, where she discussed entrenched economic, racial and social inequalities.
