Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez declined to disavow a Democratic Socialists of America proposal to abolish the U.S. Senate during a Newsmax interview, instead focusing criticism on portions of the chamber's history while avoiding a direct answer on her own position regarding the institution's elimination.
When asked by congressional correspondent Kilmeny Duchardt whether she rejects the proposal, Ocasio-Cortez said, "I mean, again, I'm not running for any larger office presently." She noted that abolishing the Senate "is, of course, a constitutional question."
Pressed further on her stance toward the Senate itself, she shifted to historical criticism. "We've all got our complaints," She said. "I don't support the filibuster. I don't support elements of this institution that we know... were founded on Jim Crow."
She added that dismantling the Senate would require a constitutional convention and approval from two-thirds of the states.
Ocasio-Cortez's remarks prompted responses from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., stated that "you're not going to solve our problems by simply suggesting they can all be solved by abolishing the U.S. Senate." Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., described the argument as "historically illiterate," Saying that those making such proposals "have no concept of American history" And "what it means to protect individual liberty."
The controversy emerged amid reports that the Democratic Socialists of America discussed offering Ocasio-Cortez an early endorsement should she pursue the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. When asked if she would welcome such backing, she responded: "I don't think I'm seeking any endorsement from any office I'm not currently seeking right now. I could run for dog catcher. I don't know."