Sen. Ted Cruz is predicting that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will run for president in 2028, warning Republicans not to assume her progressive politics make her unelectable. “Some Republicans are cheering that our opponents are crazy. I’m not,” Cruz said.

A recent University of New Hampshire poll placed AOC at 22% among likely Democratic primary voters, narrowly ahead of former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 21%. Every other prospective candidate remained in single digits. Her support rose from 14% in October 2025 to 22% in July, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris both lost ground.

AOC is also well positioned to inherit the movement built by Sen. Bernie Sanders, who would be 87 in 2028. She already has national name recognition, a powerful fundraising network, an energized online base and a clear message centered on health care, housing, economic inequality and taxing the wealthy.

Republicans may believe that message is too socialist to win. Cruz’s warning is that voters struggling with housing, medical bills and daily costs may still support her if they believe the political establishment has no better answer. Asked whether democratic socialism could lead toward communism, AOC replied: “We can’t even raise the minimum wage. Do they really think communism is going to happen?”

A crowded Democratic field could also work in her favor. Buttigieg, Newsom, Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly and other mainstream candidates may divide moderate voters while AOC consolidates the progressive left. Democrats united behind Joe Biden to stop Sanders in 2020, but there is no guarantee that one clear establishment alternative will emerge in 2028. Cruz could still be wrong, but dismissing AOC’s chances may prove to be the mistake he is warning against.