Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is currently outpacing Chuck Schumer by a wide margin in a new early poll measuring support in a hypothetical 2028 New York Democratic primary matchup.
According to the poll from progressive-leaning firm Data for Progress, 55 percent of likely Democratic voters say they support or lean toward supporting Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, compared to 36 percent who favor or lean toward Schumer. The remaining 9 percent remain undecided.
The results highlight a shift in enthusiasm within the Democratic base particularly among progressive voters following Schumer’s recent vote in favor of a Republican-backed funding bill aimed at averting a government shutdown. That vote drew criticism from liberal organizations and activists who argue that Democrats should be doing more to push back forcefully against President Trump’s agenda.
Danielle Deiseroth, executive director of Data for Progress, said the numbers reflect a broader mood among Democratic voters. “This poll really does show that Democrats are united in just wanting to stand up, wanting to fight, wanting to see someone taking a stand for them,” she said. Deiseroth also noted that her organization has a track record of challenging Democratic leadership, pointing to a similar poll in 2021 that identified then-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema as vulnerable to a primary challenger. Sinema later left the Democratic Party and chose not to run for reelection.
While the poll signals a potential shift in grassroots energy, it remains uncertain whether it will translate into a real political challenge. The primary is still three years away, and Ocasio-Cortez has not committed to running for Senate. Meanwhile, Schumer has already filed the paperwork to seek another term.
In defense of his recent vote, Schumer has argued that supporting the GOP-backed funding bill was a difficult but necessary decision, saying a government shutdown would have only empowered Trump and his billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Despite pressure from some progressive lawmakers and liberal groups to take a tougher stance or even to step aside as minority leader Schumer has so far maintained support within the Senate Democratic Caucus, and there are currently no serious threats to his leadership role.
Still, the polling serves as a warning shot. It underscores the growing appetite among Democratic voters for bold leadership and resistance to Trump, and it places added pressure on Schumer to prove he can still deliver the kind of opposition and policy vision his base is demanding. Whether Ocasio-Cortez decides to step into the race or not, the energy she represents isn’t going unnoticed.