Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is starring in a viral ad promoting California’s redistricting efforts, as speculation grows about her potential 2028 presidential run. Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., launched the ad, urging Californians to support Proposition 50, which would allow the state’s Democratic supermajority to redraw its congressional maps in response to Trump’s influence on Texas redistricting. In the ad, Ocasio-Cortez emphasizes the importance of preventing a Congress that only answers to Trump, calling on voters to fight for democracy by supporting Prop 50. The video, which has attracted over 2 million views, highlights the critical nature of redistricting as a political battleground in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.
California voters will decide during November’s special election whether to temporarily redraw new congressional district maps, as Trump continues to push for additional Republican-leaning districts in Texas. The ad, produced by Yes on 50, underscores the broader context of redistricting as a tool for political power, with state-specific efforts aiming to counter the effects of Trump’s influence on election maps. Ocasio-Cortez, who has been a prominent figure in the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, has been at the center of discussions about her political future, with reports suggesting her team is positioning her for a potential 2028 presidential run. Her participation in this ad has further amplified speculation around her presidential ambitions.
The ad also includes a Spanish version, produced by Yes on 50, which was viewed by millions of people. In this version, Ocasio-Cortez emphasizes the threat posed by Trump’s redistricting and calls on Californians to vote ‘yes on 50′ to secure Democratic gains. The California Republican Party has criticized the campaign, arguing that Newsom is leveraging a New Yorker to influence how Californians vote. They have called on voters to resist what they see as an attempt to manipulate the electoral system. Meanwhile, former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has made public attempts to end the Democrats’ redistricting campaign, indicating the broader political impact of this issue.
The momentum around Ocasio-Cortez comes as Democrats look for new leadership following the 2024 election losses. Her growing influence is evident in her support for Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign in New York City, despite resistance from establishment Democrats. Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders have also endorsed Mamdani, signaling the potential of a new progressive coalition within the Democratic Party. In her new book, ‘107 Days,’ former Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged Ocasio-Cortez’s leadership qualities and highlighted her role as a vital leader for the party’s future. These endorsements and the ad’s success suggest a growing alignment of political strategies aimed at securing democratic power and challenging the influence of Trump and his allies in shaping election outcomes.