New poll shows AOC as frontrunner for Dem leader, but former president suffers humiliating blow

AOC’s growing influence within the party has drawn comparisons to her 2018 victory over Joe Crowley.

PUBLISHED MAR 21, 2025

The congresswoman’s alignment with progressive policies and her ability to mobilize grassroots support have made her a formidable figure within the party.

Washingtom D.C.: The Democratic Party is in shambles: leaderless and without a message palatable to voters, the party lurches from one embarrassment to another. So who will emerge to lead the party into the 2026 mid-terms and even the 2028 presidential elections where Democrats are likely to face a formidable adversary in JD Vance.

A recent CNN poll revealed that voters believe AOC (10%) embodies the Democratic Party’s core values more than former Vice President Kamala Harris.

As Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s grasp on the party leadership becomes more untenable and open revolt within the party seems on the horizon, a new leader seems to be emerging, albeit with a very low approval rating.

According to NBC News, several House Democrats are now urging Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) to primary Schumer in 2028, signaling a potential shift in the party’s leadership dynamics.

AOC, who is currently joining Senator Bernie Sanders at a series of rallies in Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado, has sparked speculation about her ambitions for higher office. Fox News host Sean Hannity, who expressed support for AOC’s potential rise, remarked, “After all, she is the true leader of the radical Democratic Party. Let her hold her rightful position.”

A recent CNN poll revealed that voters believe AOC (10%) embodies the Democratic Party’s core values more than former Vice President Kamala Harris (9%) and California Governor and likely 2028 presidential frontrunner Gavin Newsom (4%). This growing support has reportedly put Schumer in a precarious position, with some suggesting he is “sweating” over the possibility of a leadership challenge.

Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan weighed in on the Democratic Party’s internal struggles during an appearance on Hannity’s show. Meadows argued that AOC represents the “vast majority of the extreme left wing” of the party, while Jordan criticized Democratic policies as “crazy", citing issues such as defunding the police, open borders, and attacks on Elon Musk.

Many now see Obama as out-of-touch with his party's new radical values.

AOC’s growing influence within the Democratic Party has drawn comparisons to her 2018 primary victory over longtime incumbent Joe Crowley, which shocked the political establishment. Meadows warned against underestimating her, stating, “Don’t underestimate AOC. Joe Crowley did that back in 2018, and he found himself on the outside looking in.”

The congresswoman’s alignment with progressive policies and her ability to mobilize grassroots support have made her a formidable figure within the party. However, her rise has also deepened ideological divides, with moderates and progressives clashing over the party’s future direction.

What is even more surprising about the poll is how far former president Barack Obama's status as leader has fallen in the party; just 4%. Widely considered to be a generational statesman, the two-term president was recently slammed for berating male black voters into voting for Kamala Harris. Many now see Obama as out-of-touch with his party's new radical values.