Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often known as AOC, is an American politician and activist serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she identifies as a Democratic Socialist. Ocasio-Cortez gained national attention in 2018 after defeating the Democratic Caucus chair, Joe Crowley, in the primary election. At 29, she became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.
AOC advocates for a progressive platform, including support for Medicare for All, tuition-free public colleges, and the Green New Deal. As of early 2025, she has a significant social media presence, with millions of followers on X, Instagram, and Facebook. In February 2025, she discussed the Democratic Party's path to political recovery, criticizing Republican budget plans and defending a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. She has also expressed concerns about government effectiveness and the distribution of gains in society.