AOC Splits 2026 Democrats as Some Battleground Candidates Reject Her Endorsement
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 30
AOC Splits 2026 Democrats as Some Battleground Candidates Reject Her Endorsement
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 30
Summary
At least two Democratic candidates have distanced themselves from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, with New York House hopeful Cait Conley declining to campaign with her and Montana candidate Sam Forstag removing mention of her endorsement.
Democratic strategists said the hesitation reflects Ocasio-Cortez's mixed appeal with independents and her status as a national celebrity, which can drown out the local message candidates want in the final 40 days.
Her backing still carries weight on the left: she rallied with Bernie Sanders for Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, whose campaign says it would welcome her back in a must-hold race for Democrats.
The split underscores a broader Democratic fight between progressives and moderates in the 2026 midterms, while also feeding speculation about Ocasio-Cortez's own 2028 presidential or future New York Senate ambitions.