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 (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

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

2007: Graduated High School and Intel Science Fair

In 2007, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez graduated from Yorktown High School and also came in second in the microbiology category of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

2007: Second-place finish in Intel International Science and Engineering Fair

In 2007, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, then a high school senior, achieved second place at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, leading the MIT Lincoln Laboratory to name the asteroid 23238 Ocasio-Cortez in her honor.

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.

2008: Family relocation to Florida after father's death

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

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

In 2014, Dave Brat's Tea Party movement-supported victory over House majority leader Eric Cantor in the Republican primary for Virginia's 7th congressional district was noted to be similar to Ocasio-Cortez's victory.

December 2016: Visit to Standing Rock

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

November 2018: Social Media Following in 2018

In November 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had 1.4 million followers on Twitter.

November 2018: Climate Change Protest and Speaker Bid Support

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

2018: Residency in Parkchester, Bronx, during election campaign

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

2018: Discussion of faith and criminal justice reform

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

January 2019: Speech at New York City Women's March

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

March 2019: Time Magazine Coverage

In March 2019, Time Magazine called Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez the "Wonder Woman of the left" and said she was the second-most talked about politician in the United States after Donald Trump.

March 2019: Media Coverage and Political Standing

In March 2019, reports indicated that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez received media coverage comparable to 2020 presidential candidates and was considered a prominent figure in the Democratic party. Between July 8 and 14, 2019, she drew more social media attention than the Democratic presidential candidates.

April 7, 2019: Intense Media Coverage on Fox News

According to a Media Matters for America study, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was intensely discussed on Fox News and Fox Business, being mentioned every day from February 25 to April 7, 2019, for a total of 3,181 mentions in 42 days.

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July 14, 2019: Trump's Attack on the Squad

On July 14, 2019, President Trump attacked "the Squad," including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, in a tweet suggesting they should "go back and help fix" their countries of origin.

July 2019: Continued Media Attention

Between January and July 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had nearly three times as many mentions on Fox News as on CNN and MSNBC, according to CNN Business.

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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.

2019: Reduced Social Media Use

In 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated that she stopped using her private Facebook account and was minimizing her usage of all social media platforms, referring to them as a "public health risk".

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 other streamers and Ilhan Omar, peaking at over 400,000 viewers.

2020: The Squad Growth

In 2020, Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush joined the Squad.

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

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

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: 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.

2021: Attended 2021 Met Gala

In 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attended the Met Gala with the theme "In America: a Lexicon of Fashion". She wore an organza gown with the phrase "Tax the Rich".

2021: Ranked among least wealthy members of Congress

In 2021, the watchdog group OpenSecrets analyzed financial disclosure forms and ranked Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as one of the least wealthy members of the 116th Congress, estimating her maximum net worth at $30,000.

2021: Texas power crisis fundraiser

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

April 2022: Engagement to Riley Roberts

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

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.

2022: The Squad Growth

In 2022, Greg Casar, joined the Squad.

June 2024: Social Media Following Update

As of June 2024, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had 13.1 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), which is an increase from 1.4 million followers in November 2018.

2024: Support for Lina Khan

In 2024, Ocasio-Cortez discussed corporate power with Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan. She defended Khan after Mark Cuban criticized her.

2024: Speech at the Democratic National Convention

In 2024, Ocasio-Cortez gave a primetime speech at the Democratic National Convention, supporting the Harris-Walz campaign and criticizing Trump. Her speech addressed the Gaza war and led to speculation about her future political ambitions.

2024: The Squad Growth

In 2024, Summer Lee and Delia Ramirez joined the Squad.

2024: Value of Met Gala ticket

In 2024, the value of a ticket for non-elected officials to attend the Met Gala was $41,000.

January 2025: Social Media Following Update

As of January 2025, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has 8.4 million followers on Instagram and 1.8 million on Facebook.

March 2025: Social Media Following Update

As of March 2025, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the most followed user on Bluesky, with 2 million followers.

2025: Increased fundraising and public perception

In the first quarter of 2025, Ocasio-Cortez raised $9.6 million. In May, Harris praised her, Vance criticized the idea of her running for president, and Trump commented on her charisma and debating skills.

2028: Calls to primary Schumer

In March, Ocasio-Cortez criticized a federal budget proposal, and after Schumer announced his support, several House Democrats suggested she primary Schumer in the 2028 New York Senate elections.

2028: Possible presidential run

In March, Ocasio-Cortez joined Sanders on the "Fighting Oligarchy Tour" and became viewed as a potential successor and candidate for the 2028 presidential election.