Challenges in the Life of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is a prominent American politician and activist. Serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district since 2019, she's a member of the Democratic Party. She is known for her progressive views and active use of social media, advocating for policies like the Green New Deal and Medicare for All. As a young, Latina woman from a working-class background, she has become a symbol for a new generation of politicians.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2008: Father's Death

In 2008, during her second year of college, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's father passed away from lung cancer, leading to her involvement in a probate dispute.

March 2019: Targeted by Hoax Claims

In March 2019, PolitiFact reported that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was a frequent target of hoax claims and misinformation campaigns.

June 2019: Comparison of detention centers to "concentration camps"

In June 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez compared detention centers for undocumented immigrants under the Trump administration to "concentration camps", citing expert analysis and an Esquire article. This comparison sparked controversy, drawing both support and criticism and leading to a debate about the use of the term.

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July 2019: Spread of Fake Material

By July 2019, fake quotes, photos, and rumors about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had spread on social media.

July 2019: Visit to migrant detention centers in Texas

In July 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez visited migrant detention centers and other facilities in Texas as part of a congressional delegation. She described the conditions as "horrifying", citing instances of women being denied showers and drinking water from toilets, as well as the separation of families.

July 18, 2019: Threat by Police Officer

On July 18, 2019, a police officer from Gretna, Louisiana, posted an apparent threat to shoot Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Facebook, leading to his termination. He posted the comment in response to a fake news article that falsely quoted Ocasio-Cortez as saying, "We pay soldiers too much".

July 20, 2020: Confrontation with Ted Yoho

On July 20, 2020, US representatives Ted Yoho and Roger Williams accosted Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the Capitol steps, where Yoho verbally attacked her with offensive language. Ocasio-Cortez responded with a speech addressing the incident and the broader issue of violence against women.

2020: Challenged in Democratic Primary

In 2020, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was challenged in the Democratic primary by Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, who later ran in the general election as the Serve America Movement nominee.

2020: Accusations of the justices' personal bias in the 2020 election

In July, Ocasio-Cortez officially introduced articles of impeachment against justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, co-sponsored by seven House Democrats. The resolution accused the justices of failing to recuse themselves from cases despite personal bias and not disclosing lavish gifts they received. The resolution cited the involvement of Ginni Thomas in attempts to overturn the 2020 election and the presence of "Stop the Steal" symbols on Alito's properties as personal bias.

February 2021: Disclosure of sexual assault

In February 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted, marking a personal challenge and a moment of vulnerability.

February 2021: Response to reopening of Carrizo Springs center

In February 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez responded to the Biden administration's decision to reopen a Carrizo Springs, Texas, center for unaccompanied migrant children. She stated that such actions were unacceptable regardless of the administration and called for mandatory licensing and reconsideration of the contracting process for these centers.

February 2021: Ocasio-Cortez recounts Capitol attack experience

In February 2021, Ocasio-Cortez shared a personal experience of sexual assault and recounted her fear during the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol, detailing her hiding in her office and fearing for her life.

September 23, 2021: Vote change on funding for Israel's Iron Dome

On September 23, 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez changed her vote from "no" to "present" on a bill providing $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, citing "hateful targeting" surrounding the bill, and apologized for the vote while maintaining her opposition due to human rights concerns.

November 5, 2021: Vote against Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

On November 5, 2021, Ocasio-Cortez was one of six House Democrats to vote against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act because it was decoupled from the Build Back Better Act's social safety net provisions.

November 2021: Paul Gosar's social media post

In November 2021, Representative Paul Gosar posted an edited version of the anime series Attack on Titan, depicting him attacking Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Joe Biden. This led to calls for investigation and censure by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Ocasio-Cortez condemned the video as normalizing violence.

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July 19, 2022: Arrested during protest for reproductive rights

On July 19, 2022, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and 17 other members of Congress were arrested in an act of civil disobedience for refusing to clear a street during a protest for reproductive rights outside the Supreme Court Building, following the Supreme Court's overruling of Roe v. Wade.

September 2022: Views on running for president

In September 2022, Ocasio-Cortez discussed the possibility of running for president, expressing concerns about misogyny and threats to her safety.

December 2022: Vote against spending package

In December 2022, Ocasio-Cortez was the only House Democrat to vote against an omnibus spending package because it increased funding for defense and federal agencies that oversee immigration.

2023: Voting against the Fiscal Responsibility Act

In 2023, Ocasio-Cortez was among the 46 House Democrats who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

June 2024: Criticism of the Supreme Court and introduction of the "High Court Gift Ban Act"

In June 2024, Ocasio-Cortez criticized the Supreme Court following reports of undisclosed gifts to Clarence Thomas. She co-led a meeting about the Court and introduced the "High Court Gift Ban Act" on June 25.

December 2024: House Oversight Committee bid

In December 2024, Ocasio-Cortez ran for ranking member of the House Oversight Committee but lost to Gerry Connolly. She later declined to run again when Connolly vacated the position, citing unchanged caucus dynamics.

February 2025: Tom Homan's Criticism

In February 2025, "border czar" Tom Homan publicly criticized Ocasio-Cortez, leading to a response where she defended her efforts and invoked the Fourth Amendment.

2025: Opposition to American Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites

In 2025, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez opposed American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, stating that such actions would be "absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment".