Maoist faction of DSA rejects AOC as potential candidate for lacking 'Palestine solidarity'

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Liberation Caucus is rejecting New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a possible 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, citing her lack of support for Palestine. 

"Liberation condemns Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's continued retreat from socialist politics and rejects any effort to present her as the future presidential standard-bearer for DSA, or for the broader socialist movement," the group said in a statement. 

The group explained that Ocasio-Cortez's record shows that she hosted a panel with leaders from the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, which the Liberation Caucus called "a Zionist organization which conflates anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism." The group also pointed to her voting in favor of a bill that defended Israel's right to exist. 

"In short, it was determined that she had failed to meet conditions concerning Palestine solidarity," the group stated. 

The DSA Liberation Caucus, which was formed in 2025, describes itself as a "Marxist-Leninist-Maoist caucus in Democratic Socialists of America."