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As rumors fly over Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez possibly mulling a presidential bid in 2028, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “excited to see what decision she makes.”

The two New York politicians have worked closely together in the past, with Mamdani referring to Ocasio-Cortez as an “inspiration.”

Here’s what to know.

Zohran Mamdani on if he would endorse AOC for president

In an interview with The New York Times this week, Mamdani said AOC has “shown what it looks like to fight for working people.” The two had been reported by POLITICO to keep in contact when it came to making endorsements in multiple races this year.

“I’m excited to continue to work together because for a long time, politics has been understood as if it is about individuals and what’s so exciting is at the heart of that partnership is the belief in collective,” he said.

When asked if he would endorse her for president, he said he was excited to see what she’d do.

“We all have to take a step back and appreciate what it is that she means to so many across this country,” Mamdani said. “And the reason for it is the work that she has done.”

“I think that she would make a good anything. I think she’s a great congresswoman, and I think no matter what she decides to do, she’s going to bring those same qualities to whatever that work is.”

AOC’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment by USA TODAY.

AOC’s possible presidential run

The congresswoman has caused speculation in recent months over whether or not she’s interested in higher office. In a recent interview, Vice President JD Vance, who is considered one of the potential frontrunners for the Republican nomination in 2028, said he thought she would be the leading candidate for the Democratic Party next election.

In response to Vance’s answer, AOC told reporters she hopes he is a nominee, too.

In an interview in May, the 36-year-old New York congresswoman did not immediately shut out the idea of running next election, whether that be for a Senate seat or the White House.

“They assume that my ambition is a title or a seat,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “And my ambition is way bigger than that. My ambition is to change this country.”