Greenberg: Gavin Newsom Could Choose AOC as 2028 Running Mate

As the faltering Democratic Party looks toward the 2028 presidential election, California Governor Gavin Newsom currently stands as the frontrunner for the party’s nomination, bolstered by his national profile and handling (controversially) of high-stakes issues like immigration and gerrymandering. With polls showing him rising to nearly 25% among Democratic voters (and betting markets like Polymarket now giving him a 20% chance of securing the nomination), Newsom’s trajectory upwards appears strong. Should he clinch the nomination in a little less than 3 years from now, his choice of running mate will be pivotal in uniting a fractured party to counter the Republican field, likely led by Vice President JD Vance. Newsom could select Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) as his vice presidential running mate, leveraging her near-universal name recognition, her progressive energy and demographic appeal. She would need to adapt her public tone to align with his, thereby creating a formidable ticket to reclaim the White House.

AOC’s selection would make strategic sense for Newsom, who must balance ideological and demographic dynamics to rebuild the Democratic coalition post-2024 debacle. At 57, Newsom is a seasoned politician with executive experience. However, his California roots and strong of failures invite skepticism in Rust Belt swing states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, where Democrats faltered in 2024. AOC, at 39 by 2028, brings youth, urban credibility, and strong appeal to Latinos, young voters, and the progressive left – groups critical to Democratic turnout. Her 22% support among Democrats under 45 underscores her pull with that base, which Newsom needs to energize after Kamala Harris’s 2024 crushing loss exposed party divisions. A Newsom-AOC ticket mirrors successful historical pairings like Obama-Biden, blending experience with fresh energy to maximize voter enthusiasm.

Make no mistake: AOC’s polarizing reputation could alienate moderates and independents, risking swing-state losses. Her “socialist” label and alignment with Congress’ radical “Squad” is a real concern. However, AOC has shown adaptability, notably in her recent collaboration with Newsom on California’s Proposition 50, the anti-gerrymandering measure they jointly championed. This partnership, highlighted by Newsom’s Twitter/X posts praising AOC’s leadership, signals her ability to pivot toward coalition-building issues. By softening her rhetoric—focusing less on divisive policies and more on unifying themes like economic fairness and  reform—AOC can align with Newsom’s appeal without sacrificing her progressive core. Her media savvy makes her a formidable communicator to sell this adjusted tone.

Democrats need to reclaim blue strongholds like New York and California while boosting turnout in diverse swing areas. AOC’s Latino heritage and grassroots appeal can drive turnout in these regions, complementing Newsom’s suburban strength. Online buzz already floats this “dream ticket” among progressives, with some calling it “unbeatable” for mobilizing the base. While some moderates express skepticism, favoring safer picks like Gretchen Whitmer or Pete Buttigieg, AOC’s star power offers unmatched energy, especially if Democrats face a 2026 midterm failure and need a bold reset.

AOC’s own ambitions—potentially herself making a 2028 presidential (or Senate) run—might seem a hurdle, but her team’s strategic silence on the presidency suggests flexibility and perhaps reconsideration. If Newsom offers her the VP slot, she could see it as a faster track to national influence, avoiding a risky Senate challenge to Chuck Schumer. Newsom, meanwhile, benefits from her loyalty: a VP AOC would energize the left without overshadowing him, given his executive star power. Alternatives like Whitmer or Shapiro, while safer choices, lack AOC’s ability to galvanize young and minority voters, a lesson from Harris’s 2024 missteps.

By 2028, with AOC tempering her tone to focus on broadly appealing issues like democracy and economic opportunity, a Newsom-AOC ticket would unify Democrats. Next year’s midterms will surely be a litmus test—if Democrats falter, the party’s hunger for bold change will make AOC’s selection not just likely but essential. This ticket, blending Newsom’s pragmatism with AOC’s vision, offers Democrats their best shot come 2028.