The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) voted overwhelmingly on Saturday to urge Representative Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, D‑NY, to run for president in the 2028 election. The resolution passed by a vote of 291 to 123 at the chapter’s annual convention.

Resolution and Leadership Statements

Gustavo Gordillo, co‑chair of the NYC‑DSA chapter, said the vote was not a formal endorsement but a “commitment to encouraging and building the foundation for a presidential campaign.” He added that the organization aims to create conditions for a campaign that can advance a working‑class political agenda.

“AOC and New York City DSA are committed to building a stronger democratic socialist movement,” Gordillo told reporters at a press conference following the vote.

Plans for City Council

In addition to the presidential urging, the chapter approved several resolutions outlining a strategy to take over New York City’s City Council. The details of the plan were not disclosed in the release, but the move signals an ambition to influence municipal governance.

AI‑Generated Controversy

Three of the chapter’s resolutions, including the one on the 2029 City Council election, were flagged by the AI‑detection tool Pangram as 100% AI‑generated. The tool claims a near‑zero error rate, but NYC‑DSA co‑chair Grace Mausser questioned the accuracy of those results, noting that resolutions are typically authored and edited collaboratively by multiple members.

Mausser also criticized the company behind Pangram, saying its software “is made by the same industry that scrapes writers’ work without permission and now sells software to accuse people of not writing their own words.” The chapter reaffirmed its policy against AI usage and voted to formally oppose AI expansion.

Context and Reactions

The push for AOC’s candidacy reflects a broader effort by progressive groups to shape the Democratic primary field. While the DSA resolution does not constitute an official endorsement, it signals strong support among its members for a candidate who has championed issues such as the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and criminal‑justice reform.

Critics of the DSA’s approach argue that the organization’s tactics could further polarize New York City politics. Supporters, however, view the resolutions as a legitimate expression of grassroots activism aimed at amplifying working‑class voices at both the national and municipal levels.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.