Swing-state Democrats beg AOC to 'leave us alone' as vulnerable candidates strip her endorsements from their websites

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 September 2026.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is being frozen out by moderate Democrats in competitive House and Senate races, with several candidates actively removing her endorsement from their campaign websites ahead of the midterm homestretch. Montana progressive Sam Forstag rallied with her in May to win his primary but now refuses to have her campaign alongside him in the general election. Party officials warn her progressive record faces fierce scrutiny from swing voters that her existing base cannot compensate for. The cold shoulder threatens to undermine her widely-trailed ambitions for a 2028 presidential run before it has even begun.

Ocasio-Cortez reportedly hinted strongly last week that she intends to run for president in 2028.

A national campaign would force her to win over battleground-state voters — precisely the ones now rejecting her help.

'It's about winning,' one Democrat reportedly said, capturing the mood among candidates keeping their distance.