Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) gave a startling response on Tuesday to comments made by Vice President JD Vance, who predicted that she would be the frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. “I think it’s got to be AOC. I know that’s probably conventional wisdom,” Vance said during an interview on “The Michael Knowles Show” released on Tuesday. When asked about the vice president’s comments by reporters outside the Capitol, Ocasio-Cortez took a subtle dig at Vance while remaining mum on her 2028 prospects. Reporter: JD Vance just said in an interview that he thinks you are going to be the leading Democratic candidate for president in 2028. What’s your response to that?AOC: pic.twitter.com/s5qodMBiN1— Acyn (@Acyn) June 30, 2026“I mean, you know, I hope he (Vance) is,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “That’s what I’ll say.” A reporter quickly attempted to clarify with the congresswoman as she walked away. “That he’s the Republican nominee?” the reporter said. “Yeah,” Ocasio-Cortez responded. Although the congresswoman has been touted by voters as a potential candidate, she has not officially announced any such plans. Polling averages compiled by 270ToWin put Ocasio-Cortez fourth behind former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Harris, the 2024 Democratic nominee, currently leads the pack, according to those polling averages. None of the aforementioned candidates have officially declared their candidacy for 2028 as of yet. RelatedAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez j.d. vanceAOC2028 presidential election