Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Restructures Team Ahead of 2028 Decision

<p>Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is making changes to her team, with several departures and new hires, according to sources. </p><p><strong>Context: </strong>The personnel changes occur months before Ocasio-Cortez will decide whether to launch a presidential campaign. She is also considering a run for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's seat, which is up for election in 2028.</p><hr /><p><strong>Details: </strong>Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben, Ocasio-Cortez's campaign manager and senior adviser for several years, is set to depart in September, as reported by two individuals familiar with the situation. </p><ul><li>Fiorella Bini, a longtime aide, has taken over as interim campaign manager this month.</li><li>Aya Saed, Ocasio-Cortez's former legislative director, returned to her team this spring as deputy chief of staff in her House office and as an adviser to her campaign.</li><li>Tanushri Shankar-Ross, who left Ocasio-Cortez's team in 2023, has returned as a senior adviser, as first reported by Puck.</li><li>Tyler Evans, AOC's creative director since 2021, also left this summer, according to his LinkedIn profile.</li></ul><p><strong>Additional Information: </strong>The changes coincide with an expansion of responsibilities for AOC's chief of staff, Mike Casca, according to sources. </p><ul><li>Casca, 37, previously served as senior communications adviser for Sen. Bernie Sanders' (I-Vt.) 2020 presidential campaign and was deputy chief of staff in Sanders' Senate office before joining Ocasio-Cortez's team in late 2023.</li></ul><p><strong>Overview: </strong>Ocasio-Cortez has a small, close-knit team that is relatively young compared to those of other potential 2028 presidential candidates. </p><ul><li>She has a close relationship with Sanders and can leverage some of his political infrastructure if she decides to quickly ramp up for a presidential or Senate campaign.</li><li>Recently, Ocasio-Cortez appeared in content for More Perfect Union, a progressive media organization led by former Sanders campaign manager Faiz Shakir.</li><li>Her campaign is already utilizing the progressive consulting firm Middle Seat, founded by former Sanders officials.</li></ul><p><strong>Other Context: </strong>Several former Sanders advisers are already working with other potential 2028 presidential candidates. </p><ul><li>Aides from Sanders' 2016 and 2020 campaigns are assisting Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).</li><li>Tim Tagaris, a key digital aide for both of Sanders' presidential runs, and his firm Aisle 518 Strategies are helping California Gov. Gavin Newsom, another possible contender for the presidency, build his fundraising email list.</li></ul><p><strong>Quote: </strong>Hidalgo-Wohlleben stated, "I never believed I would get to do a job like this let alone walk away from one. But after running nonstop since the 2020 primaries, I also know it's the right time for me to take a break." He praised Ocasio-Cortez as "committed to fighting for a better world" and added, "Whatever's next for Alex, she's got my support. Like everyone else, I can't wait to see what's in store." </p>