Rumors are growing that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a vocal progressive and Squad member, could launch a campaign for the Senate.
Ocasio-Cortez would be running against current Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) as she considers a third term.
Rep. @AOC among Democrats rumored to be preparing primary challenge to @SenGillibrand: Report https://t.co/hw8VmJKswD
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) January 22, 2023
"Gillibrand launched her reelection bid last week, seeking a third term to the office she has held since 2009, when she was appointed by then-Gov. David Paterson (D-NY). However, some of Gillibrand’s more liberal colleagues in Congress may be mulling a primary challenge," the Washington Examiner reported.
"One such challenger who might be considering a bid against Gillibrand is firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who has positioned herself as one of the most well-known members of her party," it added.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand could face Democratic primary from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez https://t.co/9zxJ1RBaTG pic.twitter.com/dMRt5fe0Tx
— New York Post (@nypost) January 21, 2023
“She could do it. Oh, my God, could she do it,” said Ryan Adams, a New York City-based Democratic consultant who often works with progressive candidates, of an AOC challenge, according to the New York Post.
“If she ran for Senate the fundraising that would come in from all around the country would easily make her competitive. And nobody campaigns like her. Everyone would come out,” Adams continued.
“The apparatus that would spring up around her would be unstoppable. People would fly in from other states to volunteer with her," Adams added.
What’s the thinking behind publicly insulting the very Dem votes one needs (but doesn’t have) to pass a controversial judicial candidate…?@NYSenatorRivera is a champion for our Latine community and leader on single payer healthcare. Cuomo-style bullying isn’t gonna fly here. https://t.co/9FQDxVSIVb
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 15, 2023
Ocasio-Cortez is one of few Democrats in the House who has argued Biden has not been radical enough.
Her calls for defunding the police, open borders and other progressive policies have won her favor in her New York district, but would face a much tougher challenge in a statewide contest for the Senate.
If she runs in 2024, she would potentially run as a second senator in the state with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) who currently serves as the Senate Majority Leader in the party's control of the chamber.
Many hope she doesn't run or win among conservatives, seeing her New York City values as poison for America.
