‘Party Is Completely Broken’: AOC’s Approval Rating Back in the Spotlight

Poll Reveals Leadership Void in Democratic Party

A recent Co/efficient poll reveals a growing leadership vacuum within the Democratic Party, as voters remain divided over who should lead the party into the future. With no consensus candidate emerging, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has risen to prominence as both a symbol of progressive momentum and a target of conservative criticism. Hannah Gaber, USAT

Ocasio-Cortez Tied With 'No One' as Party's Leading Figure

According to the poll, 26% of respondents identify Ocasio-Cortez as the current face of the Democratic Party — the same percentage who say the party has no clear leader at all. Vice President Kamala Harris and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg trail behind with just 6% and 5% support, respectively, while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) captured 12% and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) polled at 8%. Meanwhile, 22% of respondents selected "other." Yehyun Kim, USA TODAY via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Analytics Firm Flags Growing Voter Uncertainty

Co/efficient is a U.S.-based political analytics firm specializing in public opinion research. The results suggest widespread uncertainty among Democratic voters, particularly following a string of recent electoral setbacks. Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

Expert: AOC a Favorite Target for Trump Supporters

University of Kentucky political scientist D. Stephen Voss noted the polarizing nature of Ocasio-Cortez's public image. “AOC serves as the face of the Democratic Party for many Trump supporters who dislike national Democrats. They like to pillory her as ignorant and irresponsible,” Voss told Newsweek. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY

Voss: AOC Has Strong Branding Across Political Divide

“At the same time, many Democrats embrace AOC as a worthy young successor to Bernie, someone who can play the role of progressive challenger in a Democratic nomination battle. Likely AOC tops the charts because she attracts so much bipartisan attention.” Voss emphasized her political branding, adding, “No matter what Ocasio-Cortez does in the next presidential election, she'll be hard to ignore.” Jack Gruber-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Content Services, LLC

NY Poll Shows Mixed Favorability for Ocasio-Cortez

An April 2025 Siena College poll placed Ocasio-Cortez’s favorability rating among New York voters at 47%, with 33% viewing her unfavorably. Yehyun Kim-USA TODAY via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Speaker Mike Johnson Slams Democrats as Leaderless

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said in February: “We heard Democrats shout: Shut down the city, We are at war, Fight in the streets. Their party is completely broken. They have no vision and no leader. All they have is relentless opposition to President Trump.” Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

AOC and Harris Eyed as Possible 2028 Contenders

Despite not having declared a presidential candidacy, both Ocasio-Cortez and Harris are viewed as likely 2028 contenders. Harris, however, has maintained a relatively low political profile since leaving office after President Trump’s inauguration, while Ocasio-Cortez has remained active, particularly in grassroots outreach. Rick Cinclair/Telegram & Gazette / USA TODAY NETWORK

Buttigieg Urges Democrats to Define a Clear Vision

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of a forward-looking strategy: “To be effective, our opposition to today's abuses must run alongside a clear picture of what we are actually for - and how everyday life could be better with different leadership.” Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

GOP Rep. Lawler: AOC Now Steering Party Direction

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) argued that Ocasio-Cortez is already the party’s central figure, predicting she could even unseat Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a primary. “She is the leader of the Democratic Party in this moment, and will continue to be, I think, the biggest driver of where the party goes from a governmental policy standpoint, and that drives many of my colleagues crazy,” he said. Seth Harrison/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Democrats Face Unclear Path Heading Into 2028

With the 2028 election nearing and no official contenders declared, the Democratic Party remains at a crossroads, with AOC a central and controversial figure in the debate over its future. Democratic National Convention via Imagn Content Services, LLC