Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) raised a record-breaking $9.6 million in the first quarter of 2025, more than doubling her previous fundraising record. This surge in support comes amid growing calls for her to challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in the 2028 primary. Ocasio-Cortez’s fundraising success highlights her strong appeal among progressive voters and small-dollar donors.
A RECORD-BREAKING FUNDRAISING QUARTER
In the first three months of 2025, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised $9.6 million, setting a new fundraising record for herself. This amount more than doubled her previous best quarter of $4.4 million, achieved in the summer of 2020. The surge in donations reflects her growing influence within the progressive movement.
PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT SUPPORT
Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent figure in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, has consistently demonstrated her ability to raise large sums of money through small-dollar donations. Her campaign reported that the average donation was $21, and 64% of contributions came from first-time donors. The majority of her top donor professions were teachers and nurses, underlining her appeal to grassroots supporters.
CAMPAIGN PHILOSOPHY: NO CORPORATE PACS
Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign is distinct in its refusal to accept donations from lobbyists or corporate PACs. This stance aligns with her progressive platform and her commitment to maintaining independence from corporate influence. Her campaign manager, Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben, emphasized that the overwhelming support from ordinary citizens allows the campaign to organize at a scale not previously seen.
A CALL FOR POLITICAL CHANGE
Her impressive fundraising numbers are seen as a reflection of public dissatisfaction with the current political landscape. Progressive leaders, including Bernie Sanders’ adviser Faiz Shakir, view Ocasio-Cortez’s fundraising success as a sign that Democrats must respond to the demands of their base, which is increasingly focused on challenging the status quo.
THE FUTURE OF OCASIO-CORTEZ’S POLITICAL AMBITIONS
As Ocasio-Cortez continues to build her political network, some have speculated that she may mount a primary challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in 2028. Her fundraising ability and the growing support from her progressive base make her a formidable force in future Democratic politics.
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