A progressive organization launched a draft campaign on Monday to persuade Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to run for president in 2028.

The group, known as Ready for AOC, is gathering signatures and pledges from supporters while aiming to train 10,000 field leaders and build a volunteer network ahead of any potential candidacy. Organizers said the effort seeks to demonstrate grassroots backing to the Democratic congresswoman from New York without being formally affiliated with her.

Ravi Sahai, a spokesman and former deputy field director for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s campaign, told reporters that the project is building infrastructure now in case Ocasio-Cortez decides to enter the race. The group claims support from more than 500 political and union leaders across 35 states and has set an initial target of 1 million signatures.

The launch follows Democratic gains in the November midterms and comes as Ocasio-Cortez has left open the possibility of a White House bid or a challenge to Sen. Chuck Schumer in New York. She has not announced any plans for 2028.

Separate petitions and a hybrid PAC using similar language have also appeared in recent months. Earlier efforts by groups such as Progressive Democrats of America and RootsAction had floated both Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Ro Khanna as potential progressive standard-bearers.

Ocasio-Cortez, who first won her seat in 2018 by defeating a longtime Democratic incumbent, rose to prominence as a member of the so-called Squad and has maintained a high profile through small-dollar fundraising and media appearances. Supporters argue her profile could energize working-class voters, while critics within the broader Democratic coalition have questioned whether a far-left candidate would unify the party for a general election.

The 2028 Democratic primary is expected to feature a crowded field that may include former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and others. Ocasio-Cortez has polled in the low double digits in early surveys of prospective nominees.

Ready for AOC organizers said they plan to focus on recruitment and infrastructure building rather than immediate fundraising. The group intends to dissolve if Ocasio-Cortez makes a decision against running by spring 2027.