NEW YORK — U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez renewed her membership in the Democratic Socialists of America national organization in August 2026. The Democratic Socialists of America confirmed Ocasio-Cortez is a member in good standing of the organization.

The disclosure of Ocasio-Cortez's membership status arrived as reports circulated that she could run for president in the 2028 election cycle. Democratic Socialists of America chapters and members are campaigning to draft Ocasio-Cortez as a potential Presidential Primary candidate.

Ocasio-Cortez initially joined the Democratic Socialists of America in 2018 with a one-year membership. Her membership lapsed in 2019, ending a period when annual dues cost $60 and members were required to manually renew each year. The organization has since moved to automatic renewals and introduced monthly membership options with dues ranging from $5 to $50.

Despite the national renewal, Ocasio-Cortez stated she is a member of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America but not the national chapter. This distinction follows internal tensions that emerged in 2024 regarding endorsements and policy positions.

In July 2024, the Democratic Socialists of America withdrew its endorsement of Ocasio-Cortez at the request of the New York City chapter. The national organization cited Ocasio-Cortez's vote for a House resolution describing denial of Israel’s right to exist as antisemitism as a reason for withdrawing its endorsement. It also cited her participation in a panel discussion on antisemitism with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

Prior to the endorsement withdrawal, the national organization maintained public engagement with Ocasio-Cortez. In November 2020, the Democratic Socialists of America posted on X congratulating her on being re-elected to Congress. In March 2024, the group posted on X commending Representatives Cori Bush and Ocasio-Cortez for voting against legislation regarding a TikTok ban.