Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, commonly known as AOC, is an American politician and activist serving as the U.S. representative for New York's 14th congressional district since 2019. She is a member of the Democratic Party and identifies as a democratic socialist
. Born on October 13, 1989, in the Bronx, New York City, Ocasio-Cortez graduated from Boston University with a double major in international relations and economics. Before entering politics, she worked as an activist and waitress
. She gained national attention in 2018 when she won the Democratic primary against Joe Crowley, a 10-term incumbent, in a major upset. At age 29, she became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress and one of the first two female members of the Democratic Socialists of America elected to the House
. AOC is known for her progressive platform, including support for the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, tuition-free public college, a jobs guarantee, worker cooperatives, and abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She is a prominent leader of the left wing of the Democratic Party and a member of the progressive congressional group known as "the Squad"
. She has used her social media presence effectively to connect with young voters and has sponsored or co-sponsored over 100 pieces of legislation, with 15 becoming law as of 2022
. In summary, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a young, influential progressive U.S. Congresswoman from New York known for her activism, democratic socialist views, and advocacy for ambitious social and environmental reforms
