The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Liberation Caucus has publicly rejected Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) as a potential candidate for the Democratic Party in the 2028 presidential election, asserting that she has distanced herself from the socialist agenda and is therefore unfit to represent the DSA or the broader socialist movement [1]. In a statement, the Liberation Caucus condemned Ocasio-Cortez's 'continued retreat from socialist politics' and labeled her an 'opportunist,' specifically criticizing her vote to defend Israel’s right to exist and her lack of firm anti-Zionist positions [1].
The DSA's National Political Committee had previously withdrawn a conditional endorsement of Ocasio-Cortez for 2024, citing her participation in a public panel with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, which the DSA described as an alleged Zionist organization [1]. Additionally, Ocasio-Cortez faced criticism for co-signing a statement with other House Democrats that supported Israel’s right to defensive systems, despite her vote against providing Israel with supplemental weapon funding [1].
The Liberation Caucus also took issue with Ocasio-Cortez's recent remarks in an ABC interview, where she walked back her support for the 'defund the police' movement and described the 2020 'Woke 1' era as 'crazyyyyy.' The statement accused her of dismissing the mass radicalization around policing and abolition, and of reducing the 2020 Black-led uprising to an 'embarrassing political phase' [1]. The group characterized her actions as opportunistic and lacking in principles, asserting that she no longer aligns with the socialist movement [1].
This rejection follows the DSA's announcement of a new program, 'Workers Deserve More,' which calls for the elimination of the Senate, president, and Supreme Court. The DSA stated that endorsement of this program is a prerequisite for any candidate seeking formal DSA support [1]. The Liberation Caucus concluded that any prospects of an AOC presidential campaign should be met with a clear refusal from the socialist left [1].
CONCLUSION
The DSA Liberation Caucus has decisively rejected Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a 2028 presidential candidate, citing her departure from core socialist principles and recent political positions. This move signals a deepening rift between Ocasio-Cortez and the DSA, with potential implications for her support among progressive activists.