Childhood and Education Journey of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. From birth to education, explore key events.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, commonly known as AOC, is a prominent American politician and activist. She has served as the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district since 2019. As a member of the Democratic Party, she is known for her progressive political views and active use of social media to engage with constituents and the public. She has been a vocal advocate for policies addressing climate change, economic inequality, and social justice, often championing proposals such as the Green New Deal and Medicare for All.

Sections (5)

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

October 13, 1989: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Born

On October 13, 1989, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC, was born. She is an American politician and activist.

Others born on this day/year

2006: Joe Lieberman's Third-Party Election

In 2006, Joe Lieberman won reelection as a senator on a third-party line after losing the Democratic primary. This event was referenced in relation to Crowley's presence on the ballot in 2018.

2007: High School Graduation and Science Fair Achievement

In 2007, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez graduated from Yorktown High School. In 2007, she also came in second in the microbiology category of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair with a research project. As a result of her efforts, the MIT Lincoln Laboratory named a small asteroid 23238 Ocasio-Cortez after her.

2007: Asteroid Named After Ocasio-Cortez

In 2007, while Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was a senior in high school, the MIT Lincoln Laboratory named the asteroid 23238 Ocasio-Cortez after her in recognition of her second-place finish in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

2008: Father's Death and Probate Dispute

In 2008, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's father died of lung cancer during her second year of college, leading to her involvement in a lengthy probate dispute to settle his estate.

2008: Death of Father and Family Move

In 2008, after the death of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's father, her mother and grandmother moved to Florida due to financial hardship.

2010: Last House censure before Gosar

In 2010, the House censured a lawmaker. This event is noted because the next censure by the House occurred in November 2021, following Paul Gosar's post depicting violence against Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

2011: Graduation from Boston University

In 2011, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez graduated cum laude from Boston University with a bachelor's degree in international relations and economics.

2014: Dave Brat's victory over Eric Cantor

Commentators noted the similarities between Ocasio-Cortez's victory over Crowley and Dave Brat's Tea Party movement-supported 2014 victory over House majority leader Eric Cantor.

2014: Creation of the Women's Equality Party

In 2014, Governor Cuomo created the Women's Equality Party ahead of the New York gubernatorial election. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez later criticized the party.

December 2016: Visit to Standing Rock

In December 2016, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez visited the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, which she has cited as a tipping point that inspired her to work for her own community.

April 2017: Campaign Launch

In April 2017, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez began her campaign while working as a waitress and bartender at Flats Fix, a taqueria in New York City's Union Square.

June 2017: Interview with Jimmy Dore

In June 2017, Jimmy Dore interviewed Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez when she first announced her candidacy.

May 2018: Criticism of Israel Defense Forces' use of force in Gaza

In May 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the Israel Defense Forces' use of deadly force against Palestinians participating in the 2018 Gaza border protests, calling it a "massacre" in a tweet.

June 2018: Cover of The Indypendent

In June 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's campaign was featured on the cover of The Indypendent, a free New York City-based monthly newspaper.

July 2018: Campaigning with Bernie Sanders in Kansas

In July 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders campaigned for James Thompson in Kansas, drawing a large crowd of 4,000 people in Wichita.

July 2018: Statement on two-state solution and Israeli occupation

In July 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated she was "a proponent of a two-state solution" and referred to Israel's presence in the West Bank as an "occupation of Palestine", drawing backlash from pro-Israel groups.

August 2018: Netroots Nation Conference

In August 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke at the Netroots Nation conference and was called "the undisputed star of the convention".

November 2018: Congressional Orientation and Pelosi Support

In November 2018, during her congressional orientation, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez participated in a climate change protest outside Nancy Pelosi's office and supported Pelosi's bid for Speaker of the House, conditional on Pelosi remaining the most progressive candidate.

2018: Resided in Parkchester, Bronx

During the 2018 election campaign, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez resided in Parkchester, Bronx, with her partner, web developer Riley Roberts.

2018: Article on Faith and Criminal Justice Reform

In 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discussed her Catholic faith and its impact on her life and her campaign for criminal justice reform in an article she wrote for America, the magazine of the Jesuit order in the United States.

January 2019: Speech at NYC Women's March

In January 2019, at the New York City Women's March in Manhattan, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez gave a detailed speech in support of measures needed to ensure LGBT+ equality in the workplace and elsewhere.

2019: Reduced Social Media Use

In 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated she had stopped using her private Facebook account and was minimizing her social media usage, citing concerns about public health.

February 27, 2020: Arguing for LGBTQ equality

On February 27, 2020, at the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez argued for LGBTQ equality, referencing a Catholic hospital's refusal to perform a hysterectomy on a transgender man and stating that rejecting medical care based on identity is not holy.

October 20, 2020: Twitch Stream of Among Us

On October 20, 2020, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hosted a Twitch stream of the game Among Us with Ilhan Omar and other streamers, reaching over 400,000 viewers.

January 20, 2021: Joining the Hunts Point Produce Market strike

On January 20, 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez skipped Joe Biden's inauguration to join the 2021 Hunts Point Produce Market strike in the Bronx.

February 2021: Disclosed Sexual Assault

In February 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez revealed that she had been sexually assaulted.

February 2021: Ocasio-Cortez recounts Capitol riot experience and past sexual assault

In February 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shared her experience of fear during the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol in an Instagram Live video, recounting hiding in her office and fearing for her life. She also disclosed that she had previously experienced sexual assault.

May 2021: Condemnation of Israeli actions in East Jerusalem

In May 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned Israel's evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem and criticized President Biden's stance on the issue.

2021: Fundraiser for Texas power crisis relief

In 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez organized a fundraiser that raised $5 million to provide food, water, and shelter to Texans affected by the Texas power crisis. She also traveled to Houston to assist with recovery efforts.

2021: Ranked Among Least Wealthy Members of Congress

In 2021, the watchdog group OpenSecrets, analyzing financial disclosure forms, ranked Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez one of the least wealthy members of the 116th Congress, with a maximum net worth of $30,000.

April 2022: Engagement to Riley Roberts

In April 2022, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became engaged to her partner, Riley Roberts, in Puerto Rico.

July 19, 2022: Arrested at Reproductive Rights Protest

On July 19, 2022, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and 17 other members of Congress were arrested for civil disobedience during a protest for reproductive rights outside the Supreme Court Building after the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade.

September 2022: Comments on potential presidential run and misogyny

In September 2022, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discussed a potential presidential run, expressing both belief that anything is possible and concern about the prevalence of misogyny, particularly against women of color, in the country.

2024: Ocasio-Cortez's speech at the Democratic National Convention

In 2024, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered a major convention speech at the Democratic National Convention, supporting the Harris-Walz campaign. She criticized Trump and addressed the Gaza war, mentioning Harris's efforts for a ceasefire and hostage deal.