Nate Silver Names AOC as Top Democratic Nominee for 2028 Election

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a recent episode of the FiveThirtyEight podcast, Nate Silver predicted that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is the most likely Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential election. This prediction comes amid increasing chatter about potential contenders for the Democratic nomination.

During the podcast, Silver and political commentator Galen Druke discussed their draft picks for the party’s next nominee, with both ultimately agreeing on Ocasio-Cortez’s strong potential. Druke asserted, “My first pick of the first-round draft is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.” Silver jokingly lamented, “F— you! That was going to be my f—ing first pick!” He emphasized their collective endorsement of Ocasio-Cortez, stating, “We both are on the AOC bus.”

While expressing optimism, Silver noted that he would assign Ocasio-Cortez about a “20% chance” of securing the nomination, underscoring the uncertainty nearly four years ahead of the election. Druke highlighted her considerable popularity among Democrats, referencing a recent Yale survey that indicated she has the highest net favorability of any Democratic candidate.

“So that means that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has broad appeal across the Democratic Party, and there’s a lot of people who could potentially get on board with her,” Druke stated. “But I think equally important is the fact that she has very fervent support.”

Ocasio-Cortez, alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has garnered significant attention during their “Fight Oligarchy” tour, managing to attract large crowds and extensive press coverage, according to Druke. He noted, “The media is kind of obsessed with her, and they’re going to follow her every move, which means she will be able to keep the attention on her throughout the primary process.”

Silver also acknowledged Ocasio-Cortez’s increased viability, particularly in regards to her potential challenges against more established party figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “She is now ahead in those polls, and New York Democrats are actually a pretty moderate lot,” he said.

While not discounting her prospects, Silver raised questions about her age and the likelihood of her candidacy. Ocasio-Cortez will be 39 in 2028, and Silver speculated whether she might pursue other political ambitions in the interim, such as running for governor or a Senate seat. He cautioned, “She’s very young. I don’t know that she’s sure to run.”

Despite some skepticism, Druke remained firm in his prediction, emphasizing how Ocasio-Cortez has effectively targeted former President Donald Trump on his vulnerabilities, stating, “You listen to her message today, it’s all about the economy, and she’s really hitting Trump on, I think, his most obvious weakness most quickly.”

With the 2028 election looming, political landscapes are shifting. Silver’s prediction comes at a time when various potential candidates are emerging, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Cory Booker. However, Silver expressed doubts about these candidates’ likelihood of success.

Ocasio-Cortez’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. As speculation heats up, many are watching the developing situation closely, recognizing the influential role she may play in shaping the future of the Democratic Party.