Progressive activists launch ‘Ready for AOC’ with eyes toward 2028

Progressives are gearing up for the 2028 election cycle with the launch of a new group meant to draw Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) into the presidential race.

Ready for AOC launched Monday aiming to demonstrate support for the popular legislator as speculation about a White House run mounts. Supporters are asked to sign a pledge to vote for Ocasio-Cortez for president, to volunteer for her campaign and to spread the word about why they want the New York Democrat to run.

“The lesser of two evils won’t deliver the landslide victory we need to pull our country back from the brink, but AOC can,” the group wrote on their website .

The democratic socialist has publicly mulled a presidential bid, as the far-left flank has notched a number of high-profile election wins across the country. She told The New York Times in September that she would make a decision after the midterm elections, adding that “sometimes life just makes things ready for you.”

The 2028 Democratic primary field is bound to be crowded. Ocasio-Cortez isn’t the only progressive weighing a run either — Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has expressed interest, and a group was recently set up to draft him into the race as well.

Ready for AOC told The Times their goal is to build a grassroots infrastructure for the congresswomen in the event she decides to run. While they do not appear to be registered with the Federal Election Commission, the group is raising money through their website.

“We believe AOC can build the coalition this moment needs, ignite the spirit of a grassroots movement, and deliver on the promises others have failed to realize,” their site reads. “We believe that together, the many can defeat the monied interests, and that a better world is possible.”

Ready for AOC will host three “welcome call” meetings over the next few weeks as they aim to grow support for their cause. Ocasio-Cortez is a close ally of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), and she is seen as the likely successor to his progressive, populist movement.

“We know the status quo isn’t working, and that America is hungry for a different kind of candidate. A candidate who will represent the needs of the working class instead of big tech billionaires,” the group’s website reads. “A candidate who won’t fold under pressure. A candidate who is ready to deliver for the many, not the few.”

But the Oval Office isn’t the only jump the 37-year-old Ocasio-Cortez could make in 2028. She could challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) for his seat or stay put in the House.

A separate political action committee, Draft AOC 2028, was established in July.