AOC eyes a powerful Democratic role as speculation swirls that she will run for president in 2028

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez indicated she is eyeing a powerful position on Capitol Hill, amid speculation she could set her sights on a bid for the White House in the future.

The progressive lawmaker from New York said she is considering becoming the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.

It comes as several Democrats have entered the fray to lead the resistance in key committee leadership positions, but AOC would be one of the youngest and most high-profile lawmakers to throw her name in the ring.

Ocasio-Cortez, 35, currently serves as a deputy member of the House Oversight Committee, where she has made a name for herself for her tough questioning of witnesses and fiery comments during hearings.

She also has an extensive online following, which has given her activities weight outside Washington.

Democrats face a difficult road in the new year, when Republicans will maintain a trifecta by retaining the House, flipping control of the Senate and Donald Trump re-entering the White House.

As her party prepares for a fight, some younger members are aiming for top jobs while Democrats struggle to usher in a new generation of younger leadership.

If she makes a bid to become the top Democrat on the committee, it could be the latest in a series of battles within the Democratic wing for top positions on the committee.

Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly has already launched his own bid to take the number one position on the House Oversight Committee.

It remains to be seen whether others will join the race, but the Democratic House leadership remains out of the fray.

The congresswoman told reporters this week that she is “interested” in the position and was in discussions with colleagues.

Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the current member of the House Oversight Committee, wants to become the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.

The current member of that committee, Jerry Nadler of New York, wrote to colleagues on Wednesday that he will not run to retain the top position in the next Congress and endorsed Raskin for the post.

The move will likely allow Democrats to avoid at least one fight for a top position on the committee.

“I am honored and humbled to have his support in the fight ahead,” Raskin responded to Nadler’s endorsement on X.

House Oversight Committee Member Jamie Raskin Wants to Become the Top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee in the New Congress

Congressman Gerry Connelly (D-Va.) launched a bid earlier this month to become a ranking member of the House Oversight Committee

AOC speaks at a House Oversight Committee hearing in September 2023

AOC’s interest in the top House Oversight Committee position comes amid speculation about her plans for 2028, when Democrats will have another chance to retake the White House.

Some Democrats have suggested that the New York congressman and Squad member should run for office.

AOC, who turned 35 in October, would be eligible to participate because she meets the age requirement to seek the most powerful job in the world.

Earlier this year, the congresswoman was a prominent Democrat on the campaign trail helping other party members, including Vice President Kamala Harris, in battleground states.

While some have praised the idea that she would make a bid for the White House, Ocasio-Cortez herself has given no indication that she will run in the upcoming elections.

If she does, she will likely face a crowded field as Democrats look to regroup after the brutal outcome of the 2024 election.

But AOC does have one advantage at this early stage: brand awareness.

The congresswoman has a huge social media following on multiple platforms, including Bluesky, where millions of Democrats have flocked from X after the 2024 elections.

AOC became the first person on the social media platform to reach one million followers.