AOC and Warren join forces in high-profile child care push ahead of midterms

February 12, 2026

Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has become the lead House sponsor of Senator Elizabeth Warren's Child Care for Every Community Act, replacing former Representative Mikie Sherrill who recently became New Jersey's governor. The legislation would cap child care costs at $10 per day for half of American families and use a sliding scale based on income, similar to the military's child care program, though no funding mechanism has been attached. This push comes as prominent Democratic strategists suggest making universal child care a central platform issue for the 2028 presidential election, while Republicans have struggled to develop concrete policies despite calling for larger families.

Who is affected

American families with children requiring child care
Democratic lawmakers including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Elizabeth Warren
Mikie Sherrill (former House sponsor, now New Jersey governor)
State and local officials: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (New Mexico), Mayor Zohran Mamdani (New York), Mayor Daniel Lurie (San Francisco)
Child care programs in states affected by federal funding cuts under President Trump
Voters across political parties (72% of Republicans, 70% of independents, 90% of Democrats support increased federal child care funding)

What action is being taken

Ocasio-Cortez is serving as the lead House sponsor of the Child Care for Every Community Act
Democrats are highlighting affordability issues heading into midterm elections
New Mexico is providing free child care as of November (announced last year)
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is implementing a universal child care plan for children under five
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is launching a "Family Opportunity Agenda" for children under five
President Trump is cutting off federal funding for child care programs in politically opposed states

Why it matters

Child care affordability is a top voter concern across party lines, with polling showing overwhelming bipartisan support for increased federal funding. The issue has significant economic implications for families, as high costs prevent many parents from accessing care and create financial strain. By elevating this issue with high-profile sponsorship and making it a potential 2028 platform priority, Democrats are positioning child care as a major electoral and policy battleground that addresses widespread economic anxiety about raising children in America.

What's next

High-profile Democratic strategists David Plouffe and James Carville are suggesting universal child care be added to the party's official policy platform ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.

Read full article from source: The 19th