Survey: AOC Ahead of Schumer by Double Digits in Direct New York Primary Contest
The liberal organization Data for Progress carried out the survey targeting likely Democratic voters.
TroibNews 
A recent head-to-head poll for the 2028 New York primary reveals that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is leading Chuck Schumer by a significant margin. The survey, conducted by the liberal firm Data for Progress and shared first with PMG, indicates that 55 percent of likely Democratic voters support or lean toward supporting Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, while 36 percent back or lean toward backing Sen. Schumer. Additionally, nine percent remain undecided.
This poll reflects a decline in Schumer’s standing among the Democratic base, likely influenced by his recent vote to advance a GOP funding bill aimed at averting a government shutdown. The release of this poll by Data for Progress shows that liberal organizations are actively seeking ways to encourage Schumer to adopt a more confrontational approach toward President Donald Trump.
“This poll really does show that Democrats are united in just wanting to stand up, wanting to fight, wanting to see someone taking a stand for them,” commented Danielle Deiseroth, the executive director of Data for Progress.
Deiseroth also mentioned that her firm “has a long tradition of wanting to challenge the status quo of Democratic Party leadership,” referencing a previous poll in 2021 that indicated former Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema was vulnerable to a primary challenge. Sinema ultimately registered as an independent and chose not to seek reelection.
What the Schumer-Ocasio-Cortez poll means for the New York primary in three years remains uncertain, as early surveys are rarely predictive. Ocasio-Cortez has not made any commitments regarding a potential Senate run, while Schumer has already filed paperwork for reelection.
Schumer defended his vote to support the GOP bill, asserting it was the best choice among two unfavorable options, suggesting a government shutdown would have empowered Trump and his billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Although he has faced pressure to take a stronger stance against Trump or consider stepping down as minority leader, Schumer has managed to maintain cohesion within his Senate Democratic Caucus, ensuring his position remains secure for now.
The poll conducted by Data for Progress included 770 likely voters and was carried out in late March using text messages and web panels. The margin of error stood at plus or minus 4 percentage points.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
This poll reflects a decline in Schumer’s standing among the Democratic base, likely influenced by his recent vote to advance a GOP funding bill aimed at averting a government shutdown. The release of this poll by Data for Progress shows that liberal organizations are actively seeking ways to encourage Schumer to adopt a more confrontational approach toward President Donald Trump.
“This poll really does show that Democrats are united in just wanting to stand up, wanting to fight, wanting to see someone taking a stand for them,” commented Danielle Deiseroth, the executive director of Data for Progress.
Deiseroth also mentioned that her firm “has a long tradition of wanting to challenge the status quo of Democratic Party leadership,” referencing a previous poll in 2021 that indicated former Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema was vulnerable to a primary challenge. Sinema ultimately registered as an independent and chose not to seek reelection.
What the Schumer-Ocasio-Cortez poll means for the New York primary in three years remains uncertain, as early surveys are rarely predictive. Ocasio-Cortez has not made any commitments regarding a potential Senate run, while Schumer has already filed paperwork for reelection.
Schumer defended his vote to support the GOP bill, asserting it was the best choice among two unfavorable options, suggesting a government shutdown would have empowered Trump and his billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Although he has faced pressure to take a stronger stance against Trump or consider stepping down as minority leader, Schumer has managed to maintain cohesion within his Senate Democratic Caucus, ensuring his position remains secure for now.
The poll conducted by Data for Progress included 770 likely voters and was carried out in late March using text messages and web panels. The margin of error stood at plus or minus 4 percentage points.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
