Big questions surround AOC as insiders ponder the future of progressivism

Bernie Sanders has cultivated one of the most resilient movements in American politics, yet both insiders and outsiders are beginning to ponder the implications of his eventual departure from the political scene.

At the ripe age of 83, Sanders is not eyeing a third presidential run. His recent nationwide tours alongside Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have led some Democrats to interpret this as a clear signaling of a preferred successor for the 2028 presidential race. However, those familiar with both figures suggest that the true nature of their political calculus is far more ambiguous.

Individuals close to Sanders assert that he isn’t the type to designate a successor. Those who know Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) indicate she remains non-committal, with former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) noting, “if the spirit moves her, she’ll do it — but she has to be moved by the spirit.” Consequently, many progressives are left contemplating the daunting vacuum that could be created in the wake of Sanders’ departure, despite his substantial contributions to the left.

Saikat Chakrabarti, a former top aide to Ocasio-Cortez who is now challenging Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), remarked that Sanders has been “calling for people to run and advocating for a political revolution.”

However, he added, “I haven’t seen anything that indicates he’s creating an infrastructure for anything beyond just calling for it.”

This presents a significant dilemma for a faction of the Democratic Party that has secured the runner-up spot in two consecutive presidential primaries and has gained renewed momentum during President Donald Trump’s second term.

Sanders’ apparent lack of interest in succession planning is just one factor contributing to this uncertainty.

A number of Sanders’ campaign alumni and progressive operatives are fervently hoping Ocasio-Cortez will contend for the presidency. Given her charisma, communication skills, and fundraising abilities, they view her as uniquely positioned to carry forward the Sanders movement.

Nevertheless, individuals close to Ocasio-Cortez assert that her desire to run remains ambiguous.

One potential catalyst for Ocasio-Cortez’s entry into the 2028 presidential race, according to Bowman, would be the presence of a “void” in the contest. Other allies echo that she is unlikely to enter the race unless she perceives such a gap.

“The only way she ends up running is if things continue to deteriorate, where it’s a dark path and no one really steps up,” said a source familiar with Ocasio-Cortez’s thoughts, speaking anonymously for candor. “Then she might feel pressured into it, as if it’s her moral obligation.”

However, the source added, “She’d love for someone else to lead the party.”

Another individual familiar with Ocasio-Cortez’s mindset framed her stance on a potential run somewhat differently, stating, “She’s more not focused on running for president than she is uninterested in it.”

Despite this, people in Ocasio-Cortez’s circle noted that she needed convincing to run for the House in the first place. They have described her rapid rise to fame as occasionally burdensome and emphasized that she does not meticulously plot her career trajectory.

“She doesn’t think like so many others do. She’s not preoccupied with ‘What’s the next step on the ladder?’” said Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. “She genuinely considers what’s best for the movement.”

At only 35, Ocasio-Cortez has various possible paths beyond an immediate presidential run, according to her allies. She could foster relationships in Congress and assume a leadership role. Some Democrats have urged her to challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in the New York primary in 2028, following his controversial vote to advance a GOP funding bill that skirted a government shutdown.

In a brief interview, Ocasio-Cortez chose not to comment on a potential Senate bid, emphasizing her “central focus” on ensuring that the Democratic Party champions working Americans and halts GOP budget cuts.

“This is about the decisions we make collectively as a party and a shift in strategy,” Ocasio-Cortez said, responding to inquiries about Schumer’s leadership.

When approached for further clarification on her presidential ambitions, an Ocasio-Cortez spokesperson did not provide additional information.

Sanders, who came in second during the 2016 and 2020 Democratic primaries and has proven to be a formidable small-dollar fundraiser, has conveyed to friends and allies that he is not interested in running for president again in 2028. Any candidate capable of winning over his supporters would undoubtedly enjoy a significant advantage in the upcoming Democratic primary.

Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are said to share a warm rapport, having toured together for a series of rallies. Ari Rabin-Havt, Sanders’ former deputy campaign manager, remarked that the Vermont senator holds “a tremendous amount of respect for her.”

Ocasio-Cortez was a volunteer organizer for Sanders’ 2016 campaign, endorsed him at a crucial moment in 2020, and has collaborated with him in various capacities, including headlining rallies and co-sponsoring legislation. She appointed Mike Casca, a former top aide to Sanders, as her chief of staff.

However, Sanders’ supporters indicate that he is generally resistant to the notion of “it’s-your-turn” politics, although they didn’t entirely dismiss the possibility of him endorsing a candidate in a future presidential race.

“He doesn’t believe in nepotism or a system where one hands over power to another. He believes individuals should step up because it’s the right thing to do,” said Rabin-Havt. “Ultimately, it’s not Bernie’s responsibility to bequeath his movement. If another politician wishes to assume that mantle, it’s incumbent upon them to demonstrate their worthiness.”

Critics among the progressive ranks argue that Sanders takes this tendency to an extreme. Many who have worked with him claim it can be exceedingly challenging to persuade him to endorse candidates for office. Notably, when his son, Levi Sanders, ran for Congress in 2018, he did not lend his endorsement.

Sanders’ aides have countered such criticisms, asserting that he has endorsed numerous candidates, fundraised for them, and supported progressive organizations. They also contend that he is unjustly held responsible for compensating for the progressive left’s lack of institutional infrastructure compared to moderate Democrats. Sanders has also stated that his current goal is to establish an organization to identify candidates who can run as progressive Democrats and independents.

Yet, even if Sanders were to explicitly name Ocasio-Cortez as his heir apparent, progressives argue it wouldn’t necessarily resolve the confusion.

“If AOC wishes to take on leadership in this moment, that’s her responsibility,” said Chakrabarti. “The crowds at these rallies are not interested in heir-based politics.”

Ocasio-Cortez is not the only progressive who might vie for Sanders’ mantle — and endorsement — in 2028. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Sanders’ 2020 campaign co-chair, has expressed interest in a presidential run. Khanna has a history with Sanders, having endorsed his 2020 campaign early on, and was encouraged by some of Sanders’ former advisors to consider a bid in 2024 had then-President Joe Biden opted not to run for a second term.

Khanna recently told CNN that “there would be a lot of support” for Ocasio-Cortez if she were to challenge Schumer.

In a text to POLITICO, Khanna downplayed the impact of the Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez tour on his own ambitions, stating, “I love what Bernie and AOC are doing.”

He continued, “The crowds reflect the anger over cuts to Medicaid and education and concern for fellow citizens. The Trump administration has awakened a sleeping giant — ordinary Americans are shedding their apathy. I’ve never been more hopeful about what we can achieve.”

Sanders often displays irritation when queried about political strategies, dismissing such inquiries as “Beltway gossip.” In a recent interview with ABC, he described Ocasio-Cortez as “extraordinary” and a source of inspiration for young people nationwide. When asked if he would like to see her in the Senate, he nearly ended the interview.

“If you want to discuss nonsense, feel free. I won’t engage in Beltway talk,” he remarked.

Brakkton Booker and Nicholas Wu contributed to this report.