‘Do Not Underestimate’: New Poll Reveals AOC Approval

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a visit to the University of Rhode Island

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a visit to the University of Rhode Island, Donald Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention, President Donald Trump speaks to the press, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking at DNC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during the House Oversight committee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a rally for Greg Casar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at the squad rally

A poll by the Napolitan Institute gauged the preferences of American voters for presidential candidates, particularly focusing on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and President Donald Trump. The findings have indicated that Ocasio-Cortez's appeal may influence the 2028 election. Polling shows 35% back a Trump-aligned Republican, while 17% support Ocasio-Cortez’s progressive agenda.

Donald Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a visit to the University of Rhode Island, Donald Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention, President Donald Trump speaks to the press, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking at DNC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during the House Oversight committee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a rally for Greg Casar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at the squad rally

22% favor traditional Democrats, and 17% prefer traditional Republicans. 9% of voters are undecided.

President Donald Trump speaks to the press

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a visit to the University of Rhode Island, Donald Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention, President Donald Trump speaks to the press, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking at DNC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during the House Oversight committee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a rally for Greg Casar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at the squad rally

Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) stated, "This moment isn't about campaigns, or elections, or about politics. It’s about making sure people are protected."

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking at DNC

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a visit to the University of Rhode Island, Donald Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention, President Donald Trump speaks to the press, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking at DNC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during the House Oversight committee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a rally for Greg Casar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at the squad rally

Ocasio-Cortez added, "We're getting 2-year-olds that are getting deported into cells in Honduras. We're getting people that are about to get kicked off of Medicaid. That, to me, is most important."

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during the House Oversight committee

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a visit to the University of Rhode Island, Donald Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention, President Donald Trump speaks to the press, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking at DNC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during the House Oversight committee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a rally for Greg Casar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at the squad rally

Ocasio-Cortez has become a leading Democratic figure, sparking speculation about a 2028 presidential run or a primary challenge to Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a rally for Greg Casar

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a visit to the University of Rhode Island, Donald Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention, President Donald Trump speaks to the press, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking at DNC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during the House Oversight committee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a rally for Greg Casar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at the squad rally

Moderates have remained concerned about Ocasio-Cortez's electability against Republicans like Vice President JD Vance. Many feel her progressive stances will alienate the majority of centrist voters.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at the squad rally

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a visit to the University of Rhode Island, Donald Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention, President Donald Trump speaks to the press, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking at DNC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during the House Oversight committee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a rally for Greg Casar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at the squad rally

Former Treasury Department official Monica Crowley said, "Just a word of warning to the Republicans, to my party: Do not underestimate AOC. She's young, she's vibrant, she's attractive."

Roger Anderson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.