Centrist Democrats shun AOC, putting 2028 presidential run in doubt

Published September 30, 2026 6:00am ET | Updated September 30, 2026 7:40am ET



Centrist Democrats, or at least those attempting to appear that way, reportedly don’t want Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) remotely near their campaign events as we head into the final five weeks before Election Day.

“I don’t intend to be having a lot of folks from out of state campaigning with me over these next 40 days,” progressive House candidate Sam Forstag told Axios when asked if Ocasio-Cortez would be welcomed back on the campaign trail after stumping for him before the primaries.

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