Leftists Urged to Prepare a Working-Class Presidential Plan B for 2028
A proposal urges Democratic Socialists of America and allied groups to recruit a union or blue-collar worker as a backup presidential candidate if Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez does not run in 2028.
With the 2028 Democratic primary looming, the article contends that the progressive movement must have a fallback candidate should Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez decline to run. It proposes that Democratic Socialists of America, together with unions and progressive organizations, identify a well-known labor activist—such as a nurse, auto-factory worker or Amazon employee—to launch a national campaign. Drawing on successful outsider runs in Brazil, France, Belgium and South Korea, the author stresses the need for a relatable, working-class story and strict vetting through democratic bodies.
The campaign would rally around Medicare for All and a pledge to halt U.S. aid to Israel, using those issues to reshape the primary debate. While acknowledging risks, the piece argues that even a long-shot run could expand DSA’s membership and pressure the Democratic nominee to adopt progressive policies, ultimately influencing the fight against a potential Trump-aligned candidate in the general election.
Why it matters
A backup progressive candidate could steer the 2028 Democratic primary toward policies that benefit working-class Americans.
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