Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez declined to disavow a proposal by the Democratic Socialists of America to abolish the U.S. Senate, instead arguing that portions of the chamber’s history were rooted in racism while avoiding a direct answer on whether she supports eliminating the institution.

During an interview with Newsmax congressional correspondent Kilmeny Duchardt outside the U.S. Capitol, the New York Democrat repeatedly avoided taking a clear position on the DSA platform’s call to abolish the Senate.

“I mean, again, I’m not running for any larger office presently,” Ocasio-Cortez said when asked whether she rejects the proposal.

She also emphasized that eliminating the Senate would not be a simple political decision, noting that abolishing the chamber “is, of course, a constitutional question.”

When Duchardt continued pressing her about whether she supports the Senate itself, Ocasio-Cortez shifted her focus to criticism of the institution’s history.

“We’ve all got our complaints,” she said. “I don’t support the filibuster. I don’t support elements of this institution that we know … were founded on Jim Crow.”

She further pointed out that dismantling the Senate would require a constitutional convention as well as approval from two-thirds of the states.

The interview aired Friday on Newsmax’s “National Report,” where Duchardt said Ocasio-Cortez “refused to distance herself” from what has become one of the Democratic Socialists of America’s most controversial policy positions.

The congresswoman’s remarks sparked swift reactions from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., dismissed the idea that abolishing the Senate would address the nation’s challenges.

“My view is that you’re not going to solve our problems by simply suggesting they can all be solved by abolishing the U.S. Senate,” Welch told Newsmax.

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., responded even more sharply, describing the argument as “historically illiterate.”

“I think that a lot of people who are spouting off of this have no concept of American history,” Schmitt said. “They have no concept of what it means to protect individual liberty. And it’s a pretty scary turn, I think, for the Democrats.”

The latest controversy comes amid reports that the Democratic Socialists of America has discussed offering Ocasio-Cortez an early endorsement if she decides to pursue the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

Asked whether she would welcome such backing, the congresswoman brushed aside the speculation.

“I don’t think I’m seeking any endorsement from any office I’m not currently seeking right now,” she said. “I could run for dog catcher. I don’t know.”

The U.S. Senate was created under Article I of the Constitution in 1789 as one of the two chambers of Congress.

Conservatives have argued that proposals to abolish the Senate or reduce its constitutional powers are part of a broader progressive effort to weaken the nation’s system of checks and balances following repeated legislative defeats.