Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is drawing massive crowds nationwide as part of her “Fighting Oligarchy” tour alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, reigniting buzz about her political future and whether she could challenge any Republican candidate, including former President Trump, in a future election.
The two progressive lawmakers have been rallying in cities across the country, with recent stops in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles drawing tens of thousands of supporters. Their message, focused on corporate accountability and economic justice, has energized parts of the Democratic base that have grown frustrated with the party’s current leadership.
Basil Smikle, former executive director of the New York State Democratic Party, said Ocasio-Cortez represents the “next generation of Democratic politics,” noting that her grassroots momentum and generational appeal mirror the very campaign that first catapulted her to Congress in 2018 when she unseated long-time incumbent Joe Crowley.
Though both Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders have been prominent figures for years, their current tour has taken on new weight in the political landscape, especially with Democrats still struggling to recalibrate their strategy against President Trump during his second term. Some believe Ocasio-Cortez’s rising star could set the stage for a significant national run potentially for the presidency.
At one recent rally in Salt Lake City, as Sanders introduced Ocasio-Cortez with glowing praise, a member of the crowd shouted, “Future president!” prompting loud cheers. The reaction underscored the excitement surrounding her future and the serious potential she has to mount a challenge not just within the Democratic Party, but in a general election, even against someone as high-profile as Trump.
Those close to Ocasio-Cortez say she’s focused on legislative battles right now, particularly opposing GOP-backed spending cuts and standing up for working families. But insiders admit she hasn’t ruled anything out, especially with growing support among younger, working-class, and increasingly disillusioned voters.
She’s made headlines not only for her policy positions, but for holding party leadership to account, including criticizing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer over backtracking on key funding votes. She’s also earned respect even from critics for her boldness on issues like climate change, Gaza, and economic inequality.
Some Democrats, including operatives like Matt Bennett of the center-left group Third Way, have expressed concerns that the energy behind her rallies doesn’t necessarily reflect swing voters or those who’ve left the party for Trump. But even those skeptics admit her influence is undeniable. Bennett, for instance, said that if Democrats win back the House, Ocasio-Cortez would be uniquely positioned to “prosecute the case against Trump effectively.”
Others believe she’s more than a congressional powerhouse. With her cultural appeal, lived experience, and unfiltered communication style, Ocasio-Cortez may be the only Democrat with enough grassroots energy to challenge Trump directly in a national race and potentially win. As progressive strategist Angelo Greco put it, “She’s not just a political leader. She’s a cultural force.”
While she hasn’t declared her next move, the message from her rallies is clear: Ocasio-Cortez has the crowd, the charisma, and the conviction to take on anyone including Donald Trump.
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