AOC

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was born on October 13, 1989, in the Bronx, New York City. She is of Puerto Rican descent and grew up in the Bronx and later in Yorktown Heights, New York. AOC graduated in 2011 from Boston University with degrees in international relations and economics. She was an active participant in various political and social movements before her political career.

In 2016, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez worked as an organizer for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign. During this time, she traveled across America to visit Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota, where she saw the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's struggle against the Dakota Access Pipeline. This experience was a significant moment that influenced her political activism and future career in politics.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez achieved national recognition when she won the Democratic primary for New York's 14th congressional district on June 26, 2018, defeating incumbent Joe Crowley. Her victory was considered a major upset and received widespread attention because Crowley was a 10-term incumbent and high-ranking Democrat. This victory was part of a broader trend of young progressives challenging the Democratic establishment.

In the November 2018 midterm elections, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives at the age of 29. Representing New York's 14th congressional district, she became the youngest woman ever to serve in the United States Congress. Her election was part of a wave of diverse newcomers who joined the 116th Congress, reflecting a broader change in American politics.

On February 7, 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, alongside Senator Ed Markey, introduced a resolution to create a Green New Deal, aiming to address climate change and economic inequality. The proposal included plans to transition the U.S. to 100% clean and renewable energy within 10 years and called for a host of economic measures to boost employment and invest in infrastructure.

On July 18, 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez offered her first testimony before Congress. She criticized the Trump administration's handling of migrant detention centers on the southern border, describing the conditions as appalling and inhumane. Her testimony gave a platform to issues of immigration reform and raised awareness about the treatment of migrants, showcasing her commitment to human rights issues.

In the 2020 election, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating Republican challenger John Cummings by a wide margin. Her reelection confirmed her popularity in her district and underscored her influence as a progressive leader within the Democratic Party. AOC continued to advocate for bold policies, including healthcare reform and climate action.

On May 12, 2021, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a bill to block the sale of $735 million in precision-guided weapons to Israel. This move came amid a major escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. AOC's legislation highlighted her stance on international human rights and her willingness to challenge U.S. foreign policy as it pertains to the Middle East, advocating for Palestinian rights.

At the 2021 Met Gala on September 13, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made headlines by wearing a white gown with 'Tax the Rich' written in bold red letters on it. The dress sparked widespread discussion about income inequality and tax policy, aligning with AOC’s advocacy on these issues. Her appearance at such a high-profile event with this messaging underscored her commitment to bringing attention to economic disparities.

In August 2022, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stood in support of the Amazon Labor Union's efforts to unionize Amazon workers. She spoke out against Amazon's labor practices and joined rallies advocating for the rights of workers to organize and negotiate for better conditions. AOC's support highlighted her ongoing commitment to labor rights and economic justice.

On May 6, 2023, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. She expressed grave concerns about women's reproductive rights and autonomy being rolled back. Her critique aimed at rallying support for legislative measures to protect reproductive rights amid widespread protests and calls for federal action to safeguard these fundamental rights.