New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has emerged as a surprisingly popular figure in American politics, outpacing prominent figures like President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, and former Vice President Kamala Harris in a recent poll by data intelligence company AtlasIntel.
Despite her often polarizing presence, even within her own party, Ocasio-Cortez secured the third spot in the survey of political popularity, making her one of only three leaders with a net positive image.
The poll, conducted between May 21 and May 27, 2025, surveyed 3,469 participants with a 95 percent confidence level. Ocasio-Cortez achieved a 46 percent positivity rating against a 44 percent negativity rating, resulting in a net positivity of two points.
Topping the popularity list were former President Barack Obama, with a 53 percent positive and 43 percent negative view, and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who garnered 49 percent positive and 45 percent negative sentiment. Their current absence from official government roles may contribute to their elevated favorability.
However, Ocasio-Cortez’s standing is particularly notable given her active and vocal role in Congress. She has been a prominent voice, recently touring the country with Senator Bernie Sanders in a “rally against oligarchy,” drawing significant crowds.
READ: DeSantis Blasts “Open Border” After Colorado Attack, Vows Florida Won’t Tolerate Antisemitism
The AtlasIntel poll, which Nate Silver’s updated pollster ranking for 2025 rates as the highest-rated pollster in the United States, provides a detailed breakdown of its sample demographics:
- Gender: Female (50.7%), Male (49.0%), Other/prefer not to identify (0.3%)
- Yearly household income: Below $50k (26.8%), $50k – $100k (33.2%), Above $100k (40.0%)
- Age: 18 – 29 (15.7%), 30 – 44 (23.5%), 45 – 64 (34.0%), 65+ (26.8%)
- Education Level: College degree or higher (48.0%), All other (52.0%)
- Race: White (69.9%), Black (8.3%), Hispanic (13.6%), Asian (3.6%), Other (4.6%)
- Partisanship: Republican (30.1%), Independent (43.0%), Democrat (26.8%)
- Region: Sub-urban (57.3%), Urban (22.1%), Rural (20.6%)
While Ocasio-Cortez has remained quiet about her future political ambitions, her significant popularity has led some supporters to encourage a potential 2028 presidential run.
AOC’s “Presence” Questioned by Constituents Amidst Rising Crime
Despite her strong national polling numbers, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing growing scrutiny over her claims of being “very present” within her Bronx and Queens congressional district. Some constituents are pushing back against her assertions, stating they rarely see their representative, particularly as her district grapples with a significant surge in violent crime.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the 35-year-old congresswoman stated, “In national conversations, people see one thing, but at home, what people experience is my presence. I’m very present in New York. It’s not unusual for me to be walking down the street in Jackson Heights or in the South Bronx or in Astoria, and people see me and they have eyes on me.” She even likened her perceived presence to President Donald Trump’s frequent rallies, suggesting it’s an often “overlooked” aspect of her engagement.
READ: Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett Threatens Political Vendetta Against Trump
However, these claims are being met with skepticism by some constituents. As reported by the Tampa Free Press in May, Guadelupe Alvarez, a constituent from Jackson Heights, recounted a frustrating experience at a Bronx town hall.
Alvarez stated she attempted to raise urgent concerns about crime and quality of life in her neighborhood but was “dismissed” mid-question by Ocasio-Cortez, who reportedly “said she’d be right back and never came back and just handed the floor to her assistant.” Alvarez also alleged that the town hall was tightly controlled, with attendees given pre-written questions, leaving her feeling unheard and her concerns unaddressed.
Critics also point to the congresswoman’s focus on national campaigning and left-wing policy advocacy, particularly in light of the escalating crime rates within her own district.
NYPD data reveals a staggering 70% surge in violent crime in Ocasio-Cortez’s Queens and Bronx district since she took office. Some precincts, such as the 110th in Queens, have experienced an even more dramatic increase, with crime more than doubling – jumping 105% during her tenure.
READ: AOC’s Renewed ‘Abolish ICE’ Call Sparks Republican Fury, White House Condemnation
Ocasio-Cortez has been actively participating in nationwide initiatives, including the Democratic committees’ “People’s Town Halls” tour aimed at reconnecting with voters after significant losses in the 2024 elections, and joining Senator Bernie Sanders on his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour.
Beyond local presence and crime, Ocasio-Cortez’s rhetoric on immigration has also drawn criticism. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has indicated that it is “entirely appropriate” for the DOJ to investigate the congresswoman’s remarks to undocumented migrants, particularly after she publicly confronted border czar Tom Homan at a Jackson Heights town hall. In February, Ocasio-Cortez hosted a virtual event titled “Know Your Rights With ICE,” where she advised undocumented migrants on how to respond during encounters with immigration agents.
As constituents vocalize their concerns about her local engagement and the soaring crime rates in her district, Ocasio-Cortez’s claims of being “very present” continue to face a challenging reality on the ground.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
