Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz is casting his gaze beyond current politics. He forecasts significant changes in the Democratic Party as the 2028 election looms. In a video on X, Cruz expressed that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known as AOC, will aim for the presidency while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to succeed Senator Chuck Schumer. Cruz views these outcomes as detrimental to America, suggesting some Republicans are overly eager about opponents who seem extreme.
Cruz further remarked, “This country needs two parties that actually love America.” He joked that Schumer might become the first supporter of an AOC presidential campaign, hinting at Schumer’s declining prospects. In separate comments, Cruz claimed, “Chuck Schumer is finished. He can never again win a Democrat primary in New York.” Newsweek sought responses from Mamdani, Schumer, and Ocasio-Cortez’s offices.
Growing Speculation for 2028
Cruz’s statements emerge amidst rising speculation regarding the 2028 presidential race, which remains several years away. While no major Democratic contenders have declared candidacy officially, Ocasio-Cortez is frequently questioned about a White House run, stirring discussions about her ambitions. Her prominent national presence and large social media following enhance her influence among progressive voters, making her a focal point within her party.
Mamdani has emerged as a notable progressive figure in New York politics, amplifying speculation about his future. Recent Democratic primaries have showcased the left’s growing influence, with progressive candidates achieving numerous wins. These victories suggest that progressive leaders may increasingly shape the Democratic Party’s direction as 2028 approaches.
Additionally, new polls indicate a fluid outlook for the 2028 race. On the Republican front, recent surveys identify Vice President JD Vance as a leading contender while Secretary of State Marco Rubio gains momentum, highlighting the potential for rapid change in the political landscape.
Current Poll Dynamics
A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll released Wednesday presents Ocasio-Cortez with 22%, trailing former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 21%. Arizona Senator Mark Kelly received 9%, California Governor Gavin Newsom 8%, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders 6%, and former Vice President Kamala Harris 5%. No others surpassed 5%.
The poll involved 648 likely Democratic primary voters, with a 3.8% margin of error, and 579 likely Republican primary voters, bearing a 4.1% margin from July 15 to July 20.
Upon leading the poll, Ocasio-Cortez shared with The Independent, “I think there are two things, one is that, you know, polls are polls, and a horse race is a horse race. I am, of course, deeply humbled and grateful to folks who convey that confidence.” She emphasized her focus on midterms, “We have to ensure we win this majority.”
An Emerson survey from Thursday shows Buttigieg leading with 19% in the Democratic primary, with Newsom at 17%, both Senator Jon Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez at 13%, Harris 8%, Governor Andy Beshear 7%, Governor Josh Shapiro 5%, and Governor JB Pritzker 3%. Thirteen percent remain undecided.
Spencer Kimball, Emerson College Polling’s Executive Director, noted, “Ossoff was added this month and entered with 13%, driven by stronger male support, at 18%, compared to 8% among women.” Newsom showed stronger appeal among women at 25%. In contrast, Ocasio-Cortez registered higher female support at 16%. Buttigieg gained equal support among both genders at 19%. The poll sampled 1,100 likely voters and has a credibility interval of 2.9%.
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