History of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Timeline
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is a prominent American politician and activist associated with the left-wing of the Democratic Party. Since 2019, she has represented New York's 14th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
October 13, 1989: Birth of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was born on October 13, 1989.
2004: Challenging a Long-Term Incumbent
Ocasio-Cortez was the first person since 2004 to challenge Joe Crowley, the Democratic Caucus Chair, in the primary election.
2006: Joe Lieberman's Re-election as an Independent
Former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman won re-election in 2006 on a third-party line after losing the Democratic Primary.
2007: Asteroid Named After Ocasio-Cortez
In recognition of her second-place finish in the 2007 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, the MIT Lincoln Laboratory named an asteroid, 23238 Ocasio-Cortez, after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez while she was a high school senior.
2007: High School Graduation and Achievements
Ocasio-Cortez graduated from Yorktown High School in 2007. In high school, she participated in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, placing second in the microbiology category. As recognition for her efforts, the MIT Lincoln Laboratory named a small asteroid, 23238 Ocasio-Cortez, after her.
2008: Ocasio-Cortez's Father Passes Away
Following the death of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's father in 2008, her mother and grandmother relocated to Florida due to financial difficulties.
2008: Father's Death and Probate Dispute
In 2008, during her second year at Boston University, Ocasio-Cortez's father died of lung cancer. Ocasio-Cortez was involved in a probate dispute to settle his estate.
2010: Last House Censure Before Gosar
The House of Representatives last censured a lawmaker in 2010, highlighting the rarity of such an action before the censure of Representative Paul Gosar.
2011: College Graduation
Ocasio-Cortez graduated cum laude from Boston University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations and economics.
2014: Comparisons to a Previous Tea Party Victory
Commentators compared Ocasio-Cortez's victory over Crowley to Dave Brat's 2014 win against House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the Republican primary for Virginia's 7th congressional district, both seen as significant upsets.
2014: Creation of the Women's Equality Party
Governor Cuomo created the Women's Equality Party (WEP) ahead of the 2014 New York gubernatorial election.
December 2016: Activism and Inspiration to Run for Office
After the 2016 general election, Ocasio-Cortez traveled across the U.S., visiting places like Flint, Michigan, and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Her December 2016 visit to Standing Rock served as a tipping point for her decision to run for office.
April 2017: Beginning of Congressional Campaign
Ocasio-Cortez started her congressional campaign in April 2017 while working at a taqueria in New York City.
June 2017: First Candidacy Announcement and Interview
In June 2017, Ocasio-Cortez's initial candidacy announcement was covered by Jimmy Dore, marking an early instance of media attention to her political aspirations.
2017: Ocasio-Cortez Named National Hispanic Institute Person of the Year
In 2017, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was honored as the National Hispanic Institute Person of the Year by Ernesto Nieto.
February 2018: Ocasio-Cortez Criticizes ICE and its Practices
Ocasio-Cortez has consistently criticized ICE, calling for its defunding and characterizing it as a paramilitary organization. In February 2018, she specifically called out the agency's origins in the Patriot Act.
May 2018: Ocasio-Cortez Condemns Israeli Force Against Palestinians
In May 2018, Ocasio-Cortez faced backlash for referring to the Israel Defense Forces' use of force against Palestinians during Gaza border protests as a "massacre" on Twitter, sparking controversy and criticism from pro-Israel groups.
June 2018: Ocasio-Cortez Featured on The Indypendent Cover
Ocasio-Cortez's campaign was featured on the cover of The Indypendent, a New York City-based monthly newspaper, in June 2018. This marked a significant moment for her campaign's visibility.
June 26, 2018: Democratic Primary Victory
On June 26, 2018, Ocasio-Cortez gained national recognition for winning the Democratic Party's primary election for New York's 14th congressional district, defeating 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley.
June 28, 2018: Ocasio-Cortez Supports Trump's Impeachment
On June 28, 2018, Ocasio-Cortez voiced her support for the impeachment of then-President Trump, citing alleged violations of the Emoluments Clause.
July 2018: Ocasio-Cortez Voices Support for Two-State Solution, Draws Backlash
In July 2018, Ocasio-Cortez expressed support for a two-state solution and described Israel's presence in the West Bank as an "occupation of Palestine," a statement that ignited controversy and criticism from pro-Israel groups, while others defended her stance by referencing the UN's designation of the territory.
July 2018: Ocasio-Cortez Gains Nationwide Media Attention
In July 2018, Ocasio-Cortez's campaign and policies were extensively covered by The Young Turks, a left-wing online news program. She gained significant nationwide media attention after her primary win, including numerous articles, TV talk-show appearances, and a notable campaign rally with Bernie Sanders in Wichita, Kansas, that drew a much larger crowd than expected.
August 2018: Speaking at Netroots Nation Conference
Ocasio-Cortez spoke at the Netroots Nation conference in August 2018 and was considered a prominent figure at the event.
November 2018: Ocasio-Cortez's Growing Social Media Influence
In November 2018, Ocasio-Cortez had already gained a significant social media following, with 1.4 million Twitter followers.
November 2018: Ocasio-Cortez Participates in Climate Change Protest, Supports Pelosi's Speakership Bid
On the first day of congressional orientation in November 2018, Ocasio-Cortez participated in a climate change protest. She also expressed support for Nancy Pelosi's bid for Speaker of the House.
December 2018: Ocasio-Cortez Criticizes Corporate Influence at Congressional Orientation
During a congressional orientation in December 2018, Ocasio-Cortez used Twitter to criticize the influence of corporate interests at the event, sparking discussions about lobbying and campaign finance.
2018: Congressional Run and Early Career
Before running for Congress in 2018, Ocasio-Cortez worked as an activist, waitress, and bartender.
2018: Elizabeth Warren Authors Ocasio-Cortez's Time 100 Entry
Elizabeth Warren wrote the entry for Ocasio-Cortez in the 2019 Time 100, recognizing her impact and influence.
2018: Media Coverage and Analysis of Ocasio-Cortez's Primary Win
Following her victory in the 2018 Democratic primary, Ocasio-Cortez's campaign received greater attention from traditional news outlets. The significance of her win was analyzed in the context of progressive media's coverage and the limitations of traditional campaign metrics.
2018: Ocasio-Cortez Featured in Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 11/9"
Ocasio-Cortez was featured in Michael Moore's 2018 documentary "Fahrenheit 11/9," which chronicled her primary campaign and provided further exposure for her political rise.
2018: General Election Victory and Democratic Wave
Ocasio-Cortez won the general election in 2018 with 78% of the vote. Her victory was part of a larger Democratic win in the 2018 midterm elections, where the party gained control of the House.
January 3, 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Enters Congress with Large Social Media Presence
When Ocasio-Cortez entered the 116th Congress on January 3, 2019, she had a significant social media following, surpassing many of her colleagues. Her influence led to her giving social media lessons to fellow lawmakers.
January 2019: Ocasio-Cortez's Instagram Following
By January 2019, Ocasio-Cortez had 8.9 million followers on Instagram, highlighting her social media reach.
January 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Voices Strong Support for LGBTQ+ Rights
In January 2019, Ocasio-Cortez delivered a powerful speech at the New York City Women's March, emphasizing her unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in various spheres of life.
January 2019: Ocasio-Cortez's First Congressional Speech Garners Record Views on C-SPAN
Ocasio-Cortez's first speech on the floor of Congress in January 2019 quickly became C-SPAN's most-watched Twitter video of a House member's speech, reflecting the high level of public interest in her views.
February 7, 2019: Introduction of the Green New Deal
On February 7, 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey introduced the Green New Deal, a resolution aiming to address climate change and economic inequality. The plan proposed a 10-year economic mobilization to transition the US away from fossil fuels and overhaul infrastructure, creating jobs in the process.
February 2019: Ocasio-Cortez's Facebook Following
As of February 2019, Ocasio-Cortez had 500,000 followers on Facebook.
February 2019: Ocasio-Cortez's Questioning at Congressional Hearing Goes Viral
In February 2019, Ocasio-Cortez's questioning of a panel about ethics regulations and the influence of corporations on lawmakers during a Congressional hearing gained widespread attention, becoming the most-watched political video on Twitter at the time.
February 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Questions Michael Cohen
In February 2019, during Michael Cohen's testimony before the Oversight Committee, Ocasio-Cortez questioned him about Trump's potential inflation of property values. Cohen's responses suggested possible tax and bank fraud by Trump, leading to investigations and lawsuits by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
March 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Garners Significant Media Attention
By March 2019, Ocasio-Cortez was receiving substantial media coverage, comparable to 2020 presidential candidates. She was recognized as a prominent figure in the Democratic party and a widely discussed politician.
March 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Targeted by Hoaxes and Misinformation
In March 2019, PolitiFact identified Ocasio-Cortez as a frequent target of online hoaxes and misinformation. Fake quotes, photos, and rumors about her proliferated on social media, originating from platforms like 4chan and r/The_Donald.
March 2019: UK Activists Propose "Labour for a Green New Deal"
Inspired by Ocasio-Cortez's work in the US, a group of UK activists proposed a similar plan, called "Labour for a Green New Deal," to the Labour Party in March 2019.
April 7, 2019: Fox News and Fox Business Focus on Ocasio-Cortez
Between February 25 and April 7, 2019, Fox News and Fox Business extensively covered Ocasio-Cortez, mentioning her nearly 75 times per day. This intense focus highlighted her as a perceived threat to conservative values.
May 1, 2019: Release of "Knock Down the House" on Netflix
The documentary "Knock Down the House," featuring Ocasio-Cortez and other female Democratic candidates in the 2018 elections, was released on Netflix on May 1, 2019, after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival.
May 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Returns to Bartending, Advocates for Wage Increase
In May 2019, Ocasio-Cortez returned to her former bartending job at the Queensboro Restaurant to raise awareness for the Raise the Wage Act. She aimed to highlight the plight of tipped workers and advocate for a $15 minimum wage.
June 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Proposes Legislation on Psilocybin Research
In June 2019, Ocasio-Cortez entered the realm of medical research by proposing legislation to ease restrictions on studying psilocybin's medical applications.
June 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Sparks Controversy by Comparing Detention Centers to "Concentration Camps"
In June 2019, Ocasio-Cortez ignited a firestorm of controversy by drawing parallels between migrant detention centers and "concentration camps," prompting strong reactions from both sides of the political aisle.
July 14, 2019: Trump's Attacks on "The Squad" Spark Controversy
On July 14, 2019, President Trump's attacks on "The Squad," including Ocasio-Cortez, ignited a major controversy over race, immigration, and the boundaries of acceptable political discourse. Trump's comments were widely condemned as racist and xenophobic.
July 2019: Ocasio-Cortez's Coverage and Public Perception
By July 2019, Ocasio-Cortez was receiving significant attention on Fox News, surpassing other prominent Democrats. This extensive coverage contributed to the perception of her representing the Democratic Party as a whole, particularly among right-leaning audiences.
July 2019: Continued Spread of Misinformation
By July 2019, the spread of misinformation about Ocasio-Cortez continued, highlighting the persistence of online platforms in disseminating false information and attributing fabricated statements to her.
July 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Opposes Resolution Condemning BDS Movement
In July 2019, Ocasio-Cortez joined a minority in voting against a House resolution condemning the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel. The resolution passed with a significant majority.
July 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Visits Migrant Detention Centers
In July 2019, Ocasio-Cortez visited migrant detention centers, bringing back firsthand accounts of the conditions, which she described as "horrifying," further fueling her criticism of immigration policies.
July 2019: Lawsuits Filed Against Ocasio-Cortez for Twitter Blocking
Two lawsuits were filed against Ocasio-Cortez in early July 2019 for blocking individuals on Twitter, raising questions about free speech and the use of social media by public figures.
July 18, 2019: Police Officer Fired for Threat Against Ocasio-Cortez
On July 18, 2019, a police officer was fired for posting a threat against Ocasio-Cortez on Facebook, based on a fake news article. This incident highlighted the dangers of online misinformation and threats against public figures.
September 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Unveils "A Just Society" Anti-Poverty Proposal
In September 2019, Ocasio-Cortez introduced "A Just Society," a comprehensive policy proposal to combat poverty. It called for a reassessment of the poverty line to include essential costs like childcare, healthcare, and internet access, alongside measures to cap rent increases and expand social welfare program accessibility.
November 4, 2019: Ocasio-Cortez Settles Twitter Blocking Lawsuit
Ocasio-Cortez faced lawsuits for blocking individuals on Twitter. The lawsuit was settled on November 4, 2019, with Ocasio-Cortez issuing an apology for the block.
2019: Start of Congressional Service
In 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez began her service as the U.S. representative for New York's 14th congressional district.
2019: Ocasio-Cortez Receives Adelle Foley Award and Named to BBC 100 Women
In 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was recognized with the Adelle Foley Award and was included in the BBC 100 Women list, celebrating influential women around the world.
2019: Ocasio-Cortez Expresses Concerns about Social Media
In 2019, Ocasio-Cortez publicly stated that she had reduced her social media use, calling it a "public health risk."
2019: Ocasio-Cortez Supports Congressional Pay Raises
In 2019, Ocasio-Cortez sparked debate by supporting pay raises for members of Congress. She argued that all workers deserve cost-of-living increases, linking it to her stance on minimum wage.
2019: Departure of Saikat Chakrabarti
Saikat Chakrabarti, Ocasio-Cortez's campaign co-chair and chief of staff for her congressional office, left his position in 2019.
January 2020: Ocasio-Cortez Launches Courage to Change PAC
In January 2020, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez established Courage to Change, a political action committee aimed at supporting progressive Democrats.
February 21, 2020: Ocasio-Cortez's PAC Announces First Endorsements
On February 21, 2020, Courage to Change, a political action committee (PAC) founded by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, announced its first round of endorsements for progressive Democrats.
February 27, 2020: Ocasio-Cortez Advocates for LGBTQ+ Equality at House Committee Hearing
On February 27, 2020, during a House Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez argued for LGBTQ+ equality, drawing on her religious background to emphasize the importance of providing healthcare to all individuals regardless of their gender identity.
April 2020: Call for COVID-19 Data Transparency in Nursing Homes
In April 2020, Ocasio-Cortez joined 77 representatives in demanding public disclosure of COVID-19 data from nursing homes and long-term care facilities. This move aimed for greater transparency during the pandemic.
July 20, 2020: Confrontation with Ted Yoho
On July 20, 2020, Representatives Ted Yoho and Roger Williams confronted Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the Capitol steps. Yoho made derogatory remarks, including calling her a "fucking bitch." The incident sparked outrage and a debate about the treatment of women in politics.
August 2020: New York Attorney General Takes Legal Action
In August 2020, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed legal action against Trump's companies based on information that came to light during the February 2019 Oversight Committee hearing where Ocasio-Cortez questioned Michael Cohen.
August 2020: Ocasio-Cortez Advocates for Puerto Rico
Ocasio-Cortez has consistently advocated for Puerto Rico, pushing for increased civil rights, disaster relief, and addressing the island's political status. In August 2020, she co-introduced the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act.
October 2020: Ocasio-Cortez Focuses on Community Workshops During 2020 Campaign
During the 2020 campaign, Ocasio-Cortez prioritized running workshops for constituents on topics like workplace organizing, eviction prevention, and collective childcare, as reported by The American Prospect.
October 20, 2020: Ocasio-Cortez Hosts Popular "Among Us" Twitch Stream
Ocasio-Cortez hosted a widely viewed Twitch stream of the game "Among Us" on October 20, 2020, with fellow congresswoman Ilhan Omar and popular streamers. The stream was noted for humanizing her image.
November 27, 2020: Ocasio-Cortez's Second "Among Us" Twitch Stream Raises $200,000 for COVID-19 Relief
On November 27, 2020, Ocasio-Cortez hosted a second "Among Us" Twitch stream, this time joined by other streamers and Canadian MP Jagmeet Singh. The event raised $200,000 for organizations providing COVID-19 pandemic relief.
2020: Controversy Surrounds Justice Thomas's Wife's Texts Regarding 2020 Election
In 2020, texts from Justice Clarence Thomas's wife came to light, revealing her efforts to urge President Trump's chief of staff to overturn the election results. These revelations sparked calls for Justice Thomas's recusal from cases related to the election and raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest within the Supreme Court.
2020: Ocasio-Cortez and Tlaib Champion Public Banking Bill
In late 2020, Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib collaborated on a public banking bill designed to bolster the creation of public banks at state and local levels. The bill proposed granting access to Federal Reserve facilities and establishing national guidelines.
2020: Ocasio-Cortez Faces Challengers in 2020 Democratic Primary and General Election
In the 2020 elections, Ocasio-Cortez faced Michelle Caruso-Cabrera in the Democratic primary and John Cummings, a former police officer, as the Republican nominee in the general election.
2020: First Re-election to Congress
Ocasio-Cortez was re-elected to Congress in 2020.
2020: Ocasio-Cortez Maintains High Media Presence
Throughout 2020, Ocasio-Cortez continued to maintain a significant media presence, solidifying her position as a prominent political figure.
2020: Ocasio-Cortez Champions Medicare-for-All
Throughout 2020, Ocasio-Cortez strongly advocated for a single-payer healthcare system, aligning with the "Medicare-for-all" proposal gaining traction among Democrats.
January 2021: Ocasio-Cortez Supports Roadmap to Freedom Resolution
In January 2021, Ocasio-Cortez backed the Roadmap to Freedom resolution, reflecting her support for reforming immigration policies and protecting vulnerable migrants.
January 20, 2021: Ocasio-Cortez Joins Bronx Strike, Skips Biden Inauguration
On January 20, 2021, Ocasio-Cortez chose to stand in solidarity with striking workers at the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, foregoing the inauguration of President Joe Biden.
February 2021: Ocasio-Cortez Shares Experience During Capitol Riot
In February 2021, Ocasio-Cortez revealed her experience during the January 6th Capitol riot. She shared her fear, recounting hiding in her office bathroom and a tense encounter with a Capitol Police officer while evacuating.
February 2021: Ocasio-Cortez Criticizes Biden Administration's Reopening of Migrant Detention Center
Ocasio-Cortez continued her criticism of migrant detention centers, even under the Biden administration, expressing her disapproval of reopening a facility in Texas and calling for greater accountability.
March 2021: Call for Cuomo's Resignation
Ocasio-Cortez and Representative Jamaal Bowman called on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign in March 2021. They cited allegations of sexual misconduct and his administration's handling of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes.
March 18, 2021: Reintroduction of the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act
On March 18, 2021, a new version of the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act, gaining broader support, was introduced, highlighting Ocasio-Cortez's continued commitment to the issue.
April 15, 2021: Introduction of Postal Banking Bill
On April 15, 2021, Ocasio-Cortez and other senators introduced a bill to create postal banking pilot programs. This initiative aimed to provide affordable banking services in underserved communities lacking access to traditional banks.
April 2021: Ocasio-Cortez Supports Bill to Expand the Supreme Court
In April 2021, Ocasio-Cortez demonstrated her support for expanding the size of the Supreme Court by endorsing a bill aimed at achieving this objective. This stance followed her earlier calls for court expansion during the previous year.
April 2021: Ocasio-Cortez Introduces Bill for Postal Banking Pilot Programs
In April 2021, Ocasio-Cortez spearheaded a bill advocating for postal banking pilot programs, aiming to bridge the gap for rural and low-income communities lacking access to traditional banking services.
May 2021: Ocasio-Cortez Seeks Therapy Following Capitol Attack
In May 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez revealed that she had sought psychotherapy to address the trauma she experienced during the January 6 United States Capitol attack.
May 2021: Ocasio-Cortez Criticizes Biden's Stance on Israeli Evictions in East Jerusalem
In May 2021, Ocasio-Cortez publicly criticized President Biden's statement defending Israel's right to defend itself amidst the escalating conflict with Palestine. She argued that such statements lacked context and dehumanized Palestinians.
July 2021: Ocasio-Cortez Continues Push for Psilocybin Research
Ocasio-Cortez reintroduced legislation aimed at advancing research into the potential medical benefits of psilocybin in July 2021, indicating her ongoing commitment to the issue.
September 2021: Ethics Complaint Filed over Met Gala Attendance
In September 2021, an ethics complaint was filed against Ocasio-Cortez for attending the Met Gala, alleging that her attendance constituted an illegal gift due to the high cost of the ticket.
September 2021: Ocasio-Cortez Renews Calls for Supreme Court Expansion
Ocasio-Cortez reiterated her stance on the need for Supreme Court expansion in September 2021. This call to action came in the wake of the court's decision against blocking the Texas Heartbeat Bill, further solidifying her position.
September 23, 2021: Ocasio-Cortez Changes Vote on Iron Dome Funding, Citing "Hateful Targeting"
On September 23, 2021, Ocasio-Cortez made a last-minute switch from opposing to abstaining from voting on a bill to fund Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. She attributed her decision to the intense online backlash she received, citing "hateful targeting." Despite facing criticism for changing her vote, she maintained her opposition to the bill due to concerns about human rights abuses.
November 5, 2021: Vote Against Infrastructure Bill
Ocasio-Cortez was among six House Democrats who voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on November 5, 2021. Their opposition stemmed from the bill's separation from the social safety net provisions in the Build Back Better Act.
November 2021: Paul Gosar Posts Edited Anime Video
In November 2021, Representative Paul Gosar shared an edited anime video depicting him attacking and killing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The incident sparked controversy and led to calls for investigation and condemnation.
2021: Ocasio-Cortez Sparks Debate at Met Gala
In 2021, Ocasio-Cortez attended the Met Gala wearing a dress with the slogan "Tax the Rich," sparking controversy and discussions about wealth inequality, social activism, and the role of public figures in high-profile events.
March 2022: Ocasio-Cortez Calls for Justice Thomas's Resignation
In March 2022, Ocasio-Cortez called for the resignation of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, citing concerns over potential conflicts of interest related to his wife's political activities surrounding the 2020 election. She even hinted at the possibility of impeachment proceedings if he refused to step down.
April 2022: Ocasio-Cortez Gets Engaged
In April 2022, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her partner, web developer Riley Roberts, got engaged in Puerto Rico.
June 2022: Premiere of "To the End" at Tribeca Film Festival
"To the End," a documentary about climate change featuring Ocasio-Cortez, debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2022 after premiering at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
June 2022: Ocasio-Cortez Targets Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh for Impeachment
Following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Ocasio-Cortez made headlines by demanding the impeachment of Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. She accused them of misleading the public during their confirmation hearings by allegedly misrepresenting their stances on Roe.
June 2022: Ocasio-Cortez Comments on Supreme Court Rulings
In June 2022, Ocasio-Cortez publicly criticized recent Supreme Court rulings, referring to the situation as a "judicial coup in progress." She suggested impeachment and other measures to address what she perceived as overreach by the court.
July 19, 2022: Ocasio-Cortez Arrested in Abortion Rights Protest
On July 19, 2022, Ocasio-Cortez participated in a protest against the overturning of Roe v. Wade, leading to her arrest for civil disobedience, highlighting her strong stance on reproductive rights.
September 2022: Reflections on a Potential Presidential Run
In September 2022, when asked about running for president, Ocasio-Cortez expressed a belief in possibilities but also acknowledged the significant challenges posed by misogyny and racism in politics.
December 2022: Ocasio-Cortez Stands Alone in Opposition to Omnibus Spending Package
Breaking ranks with House Democrats in December 2022, Ocasio-Cortez was the sole vote against an omnibus spending package. She cited concerns over increased funding allocations for defense and immigration enforcement agencies.
2022: Second Re-election to Congress
Ocasio-Cortez was re-elected to Congress for a second time in 2022.
July 2023: Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Biden for Reelection
In July 2023, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced her endorsement of President Joe Biden for his reelection campaign in the 2024 presidential election.
July 18, 2023: Ocasio-Cortez Votes Against Resolution Denying Israeli Apartheid
On July 18, 2023, Ocasio-Cortez joined eight other progressive Democrats in voting against a resolution declaring that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state. She criticized the resolution for conflating concerns about antisemitism with the human rights situation in the region.
October 12, 2023: Ocasio-Cortez Condemns Israel's Planned Blockade on Gaza
On October 12, 2023, Ocasio-Cortez publicly condemned Israel's plans to cut off essential supplies to Gaza, including electricity, water, and fuel, characterizing it as "collective punishment" and a violation of international law.
2023: Ocasio-Cortez Supports Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Syria
In 2023, Ocasio-Cortez was among 56 Democrats who voted in favor of a resolution demanding the removal of U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.
2023: Ocasio-Cortez Votes Against Fiscal Responsibility Act
In 2023, Ocasio-Cortez joined 45 other House Democrats in voting against the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Her stance reflected her ongoing advocacy for reduced defense spending.
January 2024: Ocasio-Cortez Calls for Restoration of UNRWA Funding
In January 2024, amidst a funding cut to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) due to allegations of staff support for Hamas, Ocasio-Cortez deemed the funding cut "unacceptable" and urged the US to restore aid.
March 22, 2024: Ocasio-Cortez Labels Israeli Assault on Gaza as Genocide
On March 22, 2024, Ocasio-Cortez sparked controversy by using the term "genocide" to describe Israel's assault on Gaza, drawing criticism and reigniting debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
March‡: Ocasio-Cortez's Twitter Following Grows
By March 2021, Ocasio-Cortez had amassed 12 million Twitter followers, demonstrating her growing social media influence.
