Who will own the Bernie Sanders lane in 2028?

2028 electionWho will own the Bernie Sanders lane in 2028?Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. is seen as a frontrunner for the left if she runs, but many progressives say they're open to others as well.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif.; Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.; Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.NBC; AP; Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 4, 2026, 5:16 AM EDTBy Natasha KoreckiThe massive grassroots movement that twice rallied behind a Bernie Sanders presidential bid is facing its most consequential question yet: Who will emerge as its next leader?Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.With the race for the White House still two years away, fierce behind-the-scenes competition is already underway for the voters, operatives and organizational muscle that powered Sanders’ insurgent campaigns. The outcome may well determine whether the hard left can mount a serious challenge for the Democratic nomination or whether the progressive lane fractures before the race even begins.Interviews with more than a dozen major liberal groups, progressive activists, operatives and elected officials reveal that many in the most liberal faction of the party are not yet sold on one person; they’re open to a number of candidates, including those who are not perfectly aligned with litmus test principles of the past.To many, the Sanders mantle is Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s for the taking, should she want it. But others say the New York progressive wouldn’t be the inevitable heir, arguing that Rep. Ro Khanna of California also has Bernie-like bona fides, and several other candidates have potential.Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution, the organization founded by Sanders, said the group’s 8 million members have “an open mind” on whom they’d like to see run for president in 2028, particularly after watching someone like newly minted New York C...