Ocasio-Cortez Makes Major Changes Heading Into 2028

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is making significant changes to her political operation, adding another layer of intrigue to growing speculation about what the New York Democrat could do in 2028.

One of Ocasio-Cortez’s longest-serving political advisers, campaign manager Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben, is preparing to leave her operation in September. His departure comes as Ocasio-Cortez faces a potentially consequential decision about her political future.

The possibilities attracting the most attention are substantial: a potential run for president in 2028 or a possible challenge to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his New York Senate seat.

Ocasio-Cortez has not announced either campaign. Still, the changes occurring behind the scenes provide a closer look at the political network she could rely upon if she decides to seek higher office.

AOC’s Longtime Campaign Manager Is Leaving

Hidalgo-Wohlleben has been a major figure in Ocasio-Cortez’s political organization, working through multiple election cycles and helping oversee her campaign operation.

His departure appears to be voluntary rather than the result of a public disagreement with the congresswoman.

After years of nonstop political work dating back to the 2020 primary season, Hidalgo-Wohlleben indicated that he believes this is the appropriate time to step away and take a break.

He also made clear that he remains supportive of Ocasio-Cortez and whatever she ultimately decides to pursue.

Fiorella Bini, another longtime Ocasio-Cortez aide, stepped into the role of interim campaign manager in August.

But that is not the only personnel change taking place.

Former AOC Advisers Are Returning

As Hidalgo-Wohlleben prepares to depart, several familiar figures have returned to Ocasio-Cortez’s organization.

Aya Saed, her former legislative director, returned earlier this year and is serving as a deputy chief of staff in Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional office while also advising her political campaign.

Tanushri Shankar-Ross has also returned as a senior adviser after previously leaving Ocasio-Cortez’s operation in 2023.

At the same time, Tyler Evans, who had worked with the congresswoman in different capacities since 2021, left during the summer.

Taken together, the changes amount to a noticeable reshuffling of the team surrounding one of the Democratic Party’s most recognizable progressive politicians.

A Bernie Sanders Veteran Is Taking On More Responsibility

Another figure worth watching is Mike Casca, Ocasio-Cortez’s chief of staff.

Casca has reportedly taken on expanded responsibilities within her operation, and his political background could become particularly relevant if Ocasio-Cortez decides to pursue a larger campaign.

Before joining her team in late 2023, Casca was a senior communications adviser during Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign. He later worked as deputy chief of staff in Sanders’ Senate office.

Those connections matter because Ocasio-Cortez has maintained a close political relationship with Sanders and occupies a similar progressive lane within the Democratic Party.

A presidential campaign requires far more than name recognition. Candidates need experienced fundraisers, digital strategists, communications professionals, field organizers and consultants capable of building operations across multiple states.

Sanders developed much of that infrastructure during his presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020.

If Ocasio-Cortez eventually decides to pursue the White House, experienced figures from that political network could become valuable.

Sanders’ Political Network Remains Influential

Signs of that relationship are already visible.

Ocasio-Cortez recently appeared in content produced by More Perfect Union, a progressive media organization focusing heavily on economic and working-class issues. The organization is headed by Faiz Shakir, who managed Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign.

Her campaign also works with Middle Seat, a progressive consulting firm established by former Sanders officials.

Ocasio-Cortez is not the only possible 2028 contender with connections to Sanders alumni.

Rep. Ro Khanna of California has reportedly attracted several veterans of Sanders’ previous presidential campaigns.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, another Democrat frequently discussed as a possible future presidential candidate, has received assistance from veteran Sanders digital strategist Tim Tagaris and his firm, Aisle 518 Strategies, in developing his fundraising email operation.

The activity illustrates how experienced Democratic campaign professionals are already becoming involved with politicians who could play major roles in the party’s future.

Could AOC Challenge Chuck Schumer?

For Ocasio-Cortez, there is another potential route that would keep her political future centered in New York.

She could seek a Senate seat.

A primary challenge against Schumer would immediately become a major national political story, pitting one of the Democratic Party’s most prominent progressive figures against one of its longest-serving establishment leaders.

Such a race could also become a broader contest over the future direction of the Democratic Party.

However, there is an important distinction between political speculation and an actual campaign.

Ocasio-Cortez has not announced that she will challenge Schumer, nor has she announced a 2028 presidential campaign.

Until she does, both possibilities remain just that — possibilities.

Could AOC Run for President in 2028?

A presidential campaign would present a very different challenge.

Ocasio-Cortez already possesses several advantages that many first-time national candidates spend years trying to develop. She has enormous name recognition, a substantial online following, national fundraising experience and a dedicated political base.

But running for president also requires a considerably larger organization than running for Congress.

Her current political team is relatively young compared with some operations surrounding other possible 2028 contenders. That could make her connections with veterans of Sanders’ presidential campaigns increasingly important if she decides to enter a national race.

There would also be significant political hurdles.

A Democratic presidential primary would likely attract numerous governors, senators and other national figures. Ocasio-Cortez would need to expand her appeal beyond the progressive voters who have formed the foundation of her political brand.

That makes the people surrounding her — and the political experience they bring — especially noteworthy.

Why the Staff Changes Matter

Political staff turnover happens regularly and does not necessarily signal an upcoming campaign.

Hidalgo-Wohlleben himself described his departure as the result of years of demanding campaign work and expressed continued support for Ocasio-Cortez.

Still, personnel decisions can take on greater significance when a prominent politician is considering a major career move.

Presidential and Senate campaigns require different staffing structures, fundraising operations and political strategies than a House reelection campaign.

Bringing experienced advisers into an organization well before an announcement can give a potential candidate more time to prepare should that person ultimately decide to run.

That does not prove Ocasio-Cortez has made a decision about 2028. It does explain why changes inside her operation are receiving national attention.

All Eyes Are on AOC’s Next Move

Ocasio-Cortez has several possible paths ahead.

She could remain in the House and continue building influence there. She could eventually pursue a Senate seat. Or she could attempt to transform her national profile into a presidential campaign.

Any of those choices could have consequences for the Democratic Party.

For the moment, however, there is no official 2028 campaign.

What is clear is that Ocasio-Cortez’s political operation is changing. Some longtime staff members are departing, former advisers are returning, and individuals with ties to Bernie Sanders’ national political network remain close to her organization.

Whether those changes eventually become the foundation of something much bigger is the question that could keep Washington watching.