A new poll shows Representative Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez of New York would defeat Senator Chuck Schumer in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary by a commanding 21-point margin.
Newsweek reached out to Ocasio-Cortez and Schumer via email on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
These results signal potential vulnerability for Schumer, the 74-year-old Senate Democratic leader who has held his seat for over two decades.
The polling data suggests growing dissatisfaction within the Democratic base, particularly concerning Schumer’s response to rising antisemitism and his leadership during recent political challenges.
Ocasio-Cortez, 35, is one of the Democratic Party’s most influential lawmakers. She’s been viewed by members of both major parties as both a lightning rod and an advocate for change, in a similar vein to President Donald Trump himself.
AOC has recently been touring the country with Senator Bernie Sanders, holding rallies to mobilize voters and “fight oligarchy.”
What To Know
The Honan Strategy Group survey, conducted May 15-18 for the Jewish Voters Action Network, shows AOC leading 54 percent to 33 percent among likely Democratic voters in New York City.
The poll also reveals Ocasio-Cortez’s strength extends across demographic lines, including among Jewish Democratic voters where she leads 45 percent to 33 percent, with 17 percent undecided. The poll of 1,136 Democrats carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.89 percentage points.
This latest data is particularly notable given AOC’s criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which she has characterized as “genocide.” Schumer, who is Jewish and has relied on Jewish voter support throughout his 50-year political career, faces criticism for his handling of antisemitism issues following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in the United States and longtime supporter of Israel, said on the Senate floor in 2024 that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was an “obstacle to peace” while calling for elections to replace the leader.
“At this critical juncture, I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel,” he said.
Additionally, Schumer came under fire by some Democrats in March over a budget bill that he eventually supported, with some in the party calling it “appeasement” towards Republicans and Trump. The caucus was not united in its response, as only nine Democrats broke with the party to support the bill.
Schumer maintained that his support of the continuing resolution (CR) would prevent worse damage to the federal government from Trump and billionaire Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) adviser Elon Musk.
What People Are Saying
D. Stephen Voss, political science professor at the University of Kentucky, previously told Newsweek via email: “AOC serves as the face of the Democratic Party for many Trump supporters who dislike national Democrats. They like to pillory her as ignorant and irresponsible.”
Voss continued: “At the same time, many Democrats embrace AOC as a worthy young successor to Bernie, someone who can play the role of progressive challenger in a Democratic nomination battle. Likely AOC tops the charts because she attracts so much bipartisan attention. Ocasio-Cortez enjoys good branding, as symbolized by the fact both supporters and critics simply refer to her as AOC. No matter what Ocasio-Cortez does in the next presidential election, she’ll be hard to ignore.
“Notably, no politician has managed to seize the mantle as symbol of the mainstream Democratic Party, judging from this poll. Kamala Harris, despite having just served as the face of the Democrats in 2024, finds herself clustered with a handful of other politicians,” Voss said.
What Happens Next
Schumer isn’t up for reelection until 2028, providing time for potential political repositioning.
For Ocasio-Cortez, these numbers could influence whether she considers a Senate bid, though she has not indicated any intention to challenge Schumer.
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