A survey conducted by The Argument magazine and Verasight suggests that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, would narrowly defeat Vice President JD Vance in a hypothetical presidential election in 2028, with a margin of 51% to 49%. This result falls within the margin of error, indicating a statistical tie.

Ocasio-Cortez, often referred to as AOC, expressed skepticism about the reliability of polling conducted three years prior to an election, humorously stating, "These polls three years out…they are what they are. But let the record show, I will stomp him."

The poll, which surveyed 1,521 registered voters from December 5 to December 11, revealed demographic trends that may influence the electoral landscape. Vance received 57% support from white voters, while Ocasio-Cortez garnered significant backing from Black (79%) and Hispanic voters (64%). Gender differences were also noted, with 54% of men indicating support for Vance, while 56% of women preferred Ocasio-Cortez.

Ocasio-Cortez is considered a key contender for the Democratic nomination, alongside more established candidates such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Recent Democratic primary polls indicate that Ocasio-Cortez has lower support compared to these candidates, with Newsom leading at 36% and Ocasio-Cortez and Vance tied at 34% each.

Vice President Vance has acknowledged the importance of focusing on his current responsibilities rather than speculating about future elections. He is viewed as a strong candidate for the Republican nomination, although Donald Trump has not yet indicated a successor. Additionally, younger candidates like Zohran Mamdani, who recently won the mayoral election in New York, suggest a potential shift towards progressive leadership within the Democratic Party.

Ocasio-Cortez's political activities include endorsing fellow socialist candidates and supporting various campaigns, although she has refrained from endorsing progressive challengers to incumbent Democrats in her home state. As the 2028 election approaches, her potential candidacy is seen as part of a broader trend towards progressive policies within the Democratic Party, including advocacy for initiatives such as Medicare for All.