Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York did not dismiss the possibility of running for president in 2028, but said expanding healthcare access matters more than pursuing higher office.
When asked directly by Fox News whether she could become president, Ocasio-Cortez said, “Could I be president? Could I not be president? Maybe, maybe not.” She repeatedly steered discussions away from her own political ambitions and toward policy outcomes.
Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that achieving universal healthcare in the United States would represent a greater accomplishment than holding any specific elected title. “What matters more is that we guarantee healthcare in this country,” she told Fox News Digital.
Democratic Field Takes Shape
Several prominent Democrats are expected to enter the 2028 presidential race, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has taken a different approach, telling The Associated Press he will not run for president in 2028. “I’m not running,” Moore said, adding that he is also not positioning himself as a potential vice presidential candidate.
Moore said his focus remains on his current role as governor and his state’s interests. “People should get very used to me going all over the country bringing business back to Maryland, because that’s exactly what I plan on doing as long as I’m the governor of the state,” Moore said following a dedication ceremony in Annapolis.
Buttigieg Maintains National Profile
Buttigieg has continued to expand his public presence through traditional and digital media platforms. In April 2025, the former Transportation Secretary attended events with Democratic content producers and made media appearances.
When discussing his future plans, Buttigieg told the Washington Examiner, “I’m using my voice best I can in traditional media and new media, and I’m going to continue having conversations with neighbors, with voters, talking about how we could have a better way.” He said he has not made any decisions about his political future.
This story has been updated. CNN’s political team contributed to this report.
