AOC's NYC Constituents Discuss 2028 Presidential Prospects at Jackson Heights Town Hall
At a town hall in Jackson Heights, Queens, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed local and national issues amid speculation about a 2028 presidential bid. The event drew 450 attendees, with mixed opinions on her potential candidacy. Supporters praised her authenticity and national influence, while skeptics questioned her readiness and political stance. Ocasio-Cortez's recent fundraising success and national tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders have fueled speculation about her future plans. Some constituents expressed frustration over local issues like crime and unregulated vending, urging more action from local politicians.
Key Updates
05/08 14:31
AOC's NYC Constituents Discuss 2028 Presidential Prospects at Jackson Heights Town Hall
At a town hall in Jackson Heights, Queens, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed local and national issues amid speculation about a 2028 presidential bid. The event drew 450 attendees, with mixed opinions on her potential candidacy. Supporters praised her authenticity and national influence, while skeptics questioned her readiness and political stance. Ocasio-Cortez's recent fundraising success and national tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders have fueled speculation about her future plans. Some constituents expressed frustration over local issues like crime and unregulated vending, urging more action from local politicians.
A Return to Where It All Began
On a recent Friday evening, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez returned to the neighborhood where her political career began with a seismic upset. In 2018, she unseated 10-term Democratic incumbent Joe Crowley in New York’s 14th Congressional District, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. That victory, achieved with minimal funding and grassroots organizing, sent shockwaves through the Democratic establishment.
“Don’t underestimate her. I mean, that was the mistake Joe Crowley and his people made seven years ago,” said Mark LaVergne, an independent voter who was outside the town hall. “They underestimated her. That was a fatal mistake.”
The town hall, held in a school auditorium in Jackson Heights, drew approximately 450 attendees, with an overflow room set up to accommodate the crowd. The event was delayed nearly 20 minutes due to long lines outside. Inside, Ocasio-Cortez was met with enthusiastic applause and vocal support for her legislative efforts.
Town Hall Highlights: Local Concerns and National Ambitions
The congresswoman addressed a wide range of issues, from local concerns about a proposed $8 billion casino project in Queens to national topics such as Medicaid and immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The loudest applause came when she voiced opposition to the casino, despite acknowledging that the matter falls outside her jurisdiction.
Audience members submitted questions in advance, many of which focused on raising the minimum wage, improving air quality, and confronting federal immigration policies. Ocasio-Cortez also responded defiantly to recent threats from former border czar Tom Homan, who suggested she could face legal consequences for advising migrants on their rights.
“Come for me. Do I look like I care?” she told the cheering crowd, referencing her office’s “Know Your Rights” webinar for migrants.
Constituents Speak: Support, Skepticism, and Expectations
While many attendees expressed admiration for Ocasio-Cortez’s authenticity and connection to working-class communities, opinions on a potential 2028 presidential run were mixed.
Andrew Sokolof Diaz, a local resident, said, “Absolutely, we stand with her. I think she absolutely has the support, not only here in her district, but she has the support nationally, maybe even internationally, to run for president.”
Aleks Itskovich, who traveled from Brooklyn and immigrated from Russia as a child, praised her ability to connect with ordinary people. “It goes back to the authenticity,” he said. “She’s one of the most successful politicians of this generation, so I want to keep seeing how that goes.”
However, not all were convinced. Mary Madden, a resident of Woodside, expressed concern about Ocasio-Cortez’s age. “She’s too young,” Madden said. Meanwhile, John Szewczuk, a 44-year resident of Jackson Heights, remarked, “She may be too left wing to win the presidency outright, but I would still back her.”
Momentum and Fundraising Fuel Speculation
Ocasio-Cortez has not confirmed a presidential run, but recent developments have fueled speculation. Her “Fight Oligarchy” tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders has drawn large crowds across the country, and she raised $9.6 million in the first quarter of 2025—surpassing her previous fundraising records.
A recent video released by her campaign, though framed around her House reelection, struck a national tone. “From the waitress who is now speaking to you today from this podium, I can tell you: Impossible is nothing,” she said in the clip, which some interpreted as a soft launch for a presidential campaign.
Unaddressed Issues and Local Frustrations
Despite the celebratory tone inside the town hall, some constituents voiced frustration over local issues they feel have been neglected. Roosevelt Avenue, a commercial strip just blocks from the event, has become known for open-air sex work, street crime, and unregulated vending. Fox News Digital reported seeing at least 30 sex workers soliciting business on a single block shortly after the town hall concluded.
LaVergne criticized Ocasio-Cortez for not addressing the situation. “You’ve got to take care of the people that’ll get you elected. That just seems like the most just thing. That’s justice,” he said. He also expressed lingering resentment over her role in halting Amazon’s proposed headquarters in Queens, which he believes could have revitalized the area.
Szewczuk and Sokolof Diaz agreed that local politicians need to do more to address the conditions on Roosevelt Avenue, though they did not place sole responsibility on Ocasio-Cortez.
A Divided but Engaged Electorate
The town hall, held in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the world, showcased the range of opinions among Ocasio-Cortez’s constituents. While many are energized by her progressive platform and national visibility, others remain cautious about her next steps.
As 2028 approaches, the congresswoman’s political future remains uncertain. But if the turnout and passion at her recent town hall are any indication, her constituents are watching closely—and many are ready to follow her wherever she goes next.
