Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hasn’t yet decided whether she’ll challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his seat in 2028. One thing is clear: She has a big cash advantage.
Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional campaign committee ended September with more than double the cash that Schumer’s Senate campaign had in reserve, according to filings both lawmakers’ campaigns submitted Thursday to the Federal Election Commission.
Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign reported nearly $17.4 million in reserve as of Sept. 30, while Schumer’s committee reported more than $7.8 million.
From July 1 to Sept. 30 alone, Ocasio-Cortez’s committee raised more than $4.7 million, according to FEC records.
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She is currently seeking reelection to her House seat and is expected to easily defeat her Republican challenger, Diamant Hysenaj, in November.
When asked by The New York Times in September whether she would challenge Schumer — New York’s senior senator — for his seat come 2028, Ocasio-Cortez wouldn’t rule out the possibility.
“I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it,” she told the Times.
In recent weeks, Ocasio-Cortez traveled through upstate New York, only fueling speculation about the congresswoman’s political future.
She has also campaigned across the country — often with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) — in support of progressive candidates.
Ocasio-Cortez has also declined to rule out a run for the White House in 2028. If elected, she would be the first female president and the youngest person ever to hold the office. (Ocasio-Cortez will be 39 on Inauguration Day 2029.)
Schumer, 75, has not yet revealed his 2028 plans.
Schumer, who has led the Senate Democratic Caucus since 2017, has faced increasing pressure from parts of his party in recent years.
In September, he told Politico that he would seek to retain his leadership spot regardless of the midterm outcomes.
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