AOC reacts to JD Vance saying she is 'leading Democrat' heading into 2028 presidential race

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Vice President JD Vance are trading soundbites about their respective statuses two years out from the next presidential election, but not saying all that much of substance about each other.

It all started when Vance, speaking with Michael Knowles, answered a question about who he believed was "the leading Democrat for '28" right now. "I think it's gotta be AOC," the vice president said, admitting his answer was based on "conventional wisdom." He argued that AOC's influence on American college campuses makes her the frontrunner.

Reporters who caught up with AOC Tuesday on Capitol Hill questioned her about Vance's remarks.

"I mean, um ... ya know, ah ..." AOC began, before adding, "I hope he is. That's what I'll say."

Most polling shows that Vance is the likely choice for Republicans to nominate in the bid to succeed Trump in 2028, although Secretary of State Marco Rubio has gained significant ground on him in recent months. And a poll last year found that Democrats believe AOC has become the "face of the party." 

In a recent edition of his newsletter, Dave Rubin polled readers on which Democrat at the moment wields the most political power nationally. AOC came in third in that poll trailing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. 

Results of a poll that asked 'Rubin Recap' readers: Who is the the most powerful Democrat right now on a national level?

On Wednesday, a reporter asked the vice president, “Why do you think Ocasio-Cortez says she hopes that you’re the nominee in the 2028 presidential election?” 

“I don’t know. I don’t think much about 2028, as you know," Vance replied. "My attitude is: Let’s do a good job now, let’s continue to try and make some wins for the American people. We can worry about the future when the future comes.We got an important midterm election here.” Below, watch AOC's response to the question about Vance's assessment of her political future.