Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president. “Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States,” she announced Sunday evening on X, formerly Twitter. “I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November. Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy. Let’s get to work.”
This endorsement follows Ocasio-Cortez’s recent comments suggesting that Democrats should reconsider their strategy for replacing President Biden as the nominee. In an Instagram livestream, she emphasized, “People need to understand the reality and the gravity of what these people are proposing,” adding, “I have not seen an alternative scenario that I feel will not set us up for enormous peril.”
In June, Ocasio-Cortez secured her position as the Democratic candidate for New York’s 14th Congressional District, defeating 66-year-old investment banker Marty Dolan, who ran as a moderate alternative. Dolan criticized Ocasio-Cortez for being too extreme and disconnected, focusing on issues like the migrant crisis, bail reform, and NYC’s economic challenges. Despite these attacks and a campaign funded primarily by personal loans, Dolan couldn’t compete with Ocasio-Cortez’s $8 million campaign fund and grassroots support.
Ocasio-Cortez, known as AOC, first gained national attention in 2018 by defeating a 10-term incumbent. She has highlighted her legislative achievements and commitment to addressing income inequality, climate change, and social justice. Her decision not to participate in debates with Dolan drew some criticism, but it did not affect her strong voter base.
Voter turnout was high, reflecting passionate support from both sides. In many underserved areas, Ocasio-Cortez’s advocacy resonated strongly. With this primary victory, AOC is now preparing for the November general election, where she is the heavy favorite in this strongly Democratic district.
