Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) reportedly has one factor that might influence whether he runs for president in 2028, and her name is Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14).
The Hill reported that Khanna is considering a presidential run, but is keeping his eye on Ocasio-Cortez, who has hinted at a possible candidacy.
As Democrats begin to position themselves for the 2028 presidential campaign, few contenders are being watched and analyzed as closely as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), whose decision to enter the race could alter the entire landscape of the Democratic primary.
No one has more reason to observe Ocasio-Cortez’s every move than Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who is frequently mentioned as the “other candidate in the progressive lane.”
If Ocasio-Cortez does stay out of the race — possibly deciding to run for a New York Senate seat instead — Khanna could have an opening as the party’s leading progressive candidate.
But if Ocasio-Cortez decides to run, it could complicate matters. For starters, the two lawmakers would compete not only for the same voters, but also for small-dollar donors and staff.
“AOC has the pole position in the race in the progressive field because she has the larger national following,” Democratic strategist Brad Bannon said. “But Khanna will get a big boost and have the advantageous progressive lane to himself if she puts her national ambitions on hold to run against Chuck Schumer in the New York primary.”
One progressive strategist said Khanna will “definitely” benefit if Ocasio-Cortez decides to sit out the 2028 race.
“There is a path for him regardless, but she’s sucking up a lot of oxygen right now, with the whole ‘will-she-or-won’t-she’ conversation,” the strategist acknowledged.
Behind the scenes, Khanna has been slowly moving toward launching a bid for the White House.
Ocasio-Cortez has not announced a 2028 presidential campaign yet, but she has indicated she might be considering the idea. However, she told reporters she will not make a final decision until after the November midterm elections.
Democrats need bold leadership in 2028. This campaign urging Ro Khanna and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to run for president will formally launch soon after the November midterm elections — and is jointly sponsored by RootsAction and Progressive Democrats of America.…
— RootsAction (@Roots_Action) September 29, 2026
She is also considering whether to remain in the House or challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for his seat.
"There's an argument that some make that this is a very unique political window and, oftentimes in politics, you do only get one shot," she said. "And you don't — and just in life in general — life doesn't wait for you to be ready for things. Sometimes life just makes things ready for you."
Fox News reported that the lawmaker further addressed the matter in a fundraising email. "I know there is a lot of speculation about what I will decide to do in 2028. I get asked about it nearly every interview and event," she said. But she indicated that she would make her decision based on where she felt she could do the most good.
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