Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claimed this week that she would defeat Vice President of the United States J.D. Vance in a hypothetical 2028 presidential race, remarks captured on video as she walked outside the U.S. Capitol, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.
The exchange occurred during a brief on-the-spot interview as Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat representing parts of Queens and the Bronx, descended the Capitol steps.
A video of the moment was shared publicly by commentator Benny Johnson.
During the encounter, a reporter asked the congresswoman directly, “Do you think that you could beat J.D. Vance in a head-to-head race for president as polling suggests in 2028?”
Ocasio-Cortez answered immediately, offering a confident response.
“Listen, these polls like three years out are what they are, but let the record show I would stomp him,” she said.
After making the statement, Ocasio-Cortez laughed as she continued walking away from the reporter. Johnson characterized the moment as “endless cackling” in his post accompanying the video.
The comment comes amid ongoing speculation about potential 2028 presidential contenders, though neither Ocasio-Cortez nor Vance has formally announced any plans to run for the White House.
Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent figure within the Democratic Socialist wing of the Democratic Party, has frequently been mentioned by supporters and media outlets as a possible future presidential candidate.
Her remarks follow the release of a recent poll that showed Ocasio-Cortez narrowly leading Vance in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup.
Such early polling, conducted several years before an election, is widely viewed as fluid and subject to significant change.
Vance, who currently serves as vice president, has addressed questions about his long-term political future cautiously.
Earlier this month, he spoke with Fox News host Sean Hannity about the prospect of a future presidential campaign.
“I would say that I’ve thought about what that moment might look like after the midterm elections,” Vance said.
“But I also, whenever I think about that, I try to put it out of my head and remind myself the American people elected me to do a job right now, and my job is to do it.”
Vance has not publicly responded to Ocasio-Cortez’s comments. His office has also not issued a statement addressing the video or her claim.
The brief exchange underscores how early jockeying and messaging around the 2028 election cycle has already begun, with public figures responding to hypothetical matchups despite the absence of declared campaigns.
As of now, both parties remain focused on the upcoming midterm elections, which are expected to shape the political landscape leading into the next presidential race.
