Ready for AOC launches 2028 draft effort for Ocasio-Cortez

Ready for AOC, an independent group urging Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to run for president in 2028, launched Monday with a campaign to build nationwide support for a possible bid. The group says it wants to collect one million pledges and persuade Ocasio-Cortez to enter the race. She has not announced a decision.

The organizers say they have recruited more than 500 political and labor leaders across 35 states. The campaign also aims to enlist 10,000 organizers and volunteers, who would gather signatures, speak with voters and support a presidential campaign if Ocasio-Cortez runs.

The group’s early petition figures were reported at different times. Spokesperson Ravi Sahai said more than 4,000 people had signed by 2 p.m. Monday. The campaign website displayed 804 signatures Tuesday morning. The accounts do not explain the difference, and the figures represent tallies from separate observation times.

Ready for AOC says it is unaffiliated with Ocasio-Cortez. Sahai said organizers had been preparing since September and held small community meetings before the launch. The group’s stated goal is to establish grassroots infrastructure before she decides whether to run.