Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York representative and prominent democratic socialist, has rejoined the Democratic Socialists of America in August 2026 after her membership lapsed in 2019. The congresswoman initially joined the organization in 2018 with a one-year membership that was not renewed. The DSA publicly confirmed her current membership status following reports that had emerged earlier this month regarding the lapse.
The organization stated that it decided to disclose Ocasio-Cortez’s membership details in light of ongoing discussions about a potential 2028 presidential campaign. The DSA noted that chapters and members have been engaged in efforts to draft the congresswoman as a potential primary candidate. According to the organization’s statement, her membership status was deemed essential information for members considering these discussions.
An interview that took place earlier this month shed light on the distinction between her different levels of involvement with the organization. When asked whether she remained a DSA member, Ocasio-Cortez indicated she maintained membership in the New York City chapter but characterized national membership differently. She explained that DSA chapters operate locally and compared the structure to local union chapters.
The development comes after the DSA withdrew its endorsement of Ocasio-Cortez in July 2024, citing her vote for a House resolution describing denial of Israel’s right to exist as antisemitism and her participation in a panel discussion on the topic. The organization stated that the withdrawal reflected concerns about her positions on Palestinian activism and support for the movement. Despite the lapsed national membership, the DSA had referenced Ocasio-Cortez in posts on social media in 2020 and 2024, describing her as a member during those periods.
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