A new poll from Data for Progress shows Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer trailing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by 19 points in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary.
Among 767 likely New York Democratic voters, 55% supported AOC, while only 36% backed Schumer.
The poll reveals Schumer’s declining favorability, with critics viewing him as too aligned with corporate and MAGA interests. Ocasio-Cortez, by contrast, enjoys strong support across all major demographics. After reading her background, her favorability rose to +69, while Schumer’s peaked at +47.
Even negative messages failed to dent her lead. With 84% of respondents saying Democrats aren’t doing enough to oppose Trump, the party’s base appears eager for new leadership.
If AOC runs, analysts suggest Schumer may not stand a chance and could be forced to step aside.