Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has easily won this year’s Democratic primary, smoothing her path to serving a fourth term in Congress in her district where she is considerably supported by residents.
The outspoken congresswoman beat her opponent, investment banker Marty Dolan, winning an overwhelming 82.2% of the vote for the potential spot in the NY-14 district on Tuesday, which encompasses parts of central Queens and the Bronx.
Now, she appears to be the favored candidate to beat Republican Tina Forte in the November general election, receiving significant support from the district communities that feel better represented by the current Congresswoman.
During his campaign, Dolan, 66, who portrays himself as a moderate Democrat, accused AOC of contributing to the influx of migrants coming to NYC.
However, this position may not have resonated well with voters in a district that has considerable populations of working-class immigrants from Latin America and South Asia.
Despite facing consistent opposition from conservative representatives, officials, and candidates, Ocasio-Cortez has never faced a significant primary and general election fight in her district, which includes the neighborhoods of Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Astoria, and parts of the south and east Bronx.
Leading up to the primary, Ocasio-Cortez was vocal about her condemnation of Israel’s war in Gaza and her support of the Palestinian people while calling for a ceasefire. She has also condemned pro-Israel donors and the right-wing American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for spending millions of dollars to fund George Latimer’s campaign and win over Rep. Jamaal Bowman in the NY-16 district. Bowman has also been adamant in supporting Palestine and a ceasefire.
“Son of a single mother. Grew up in public housing. Dedicated his life to teaching. Became a school principal, Founded a prized school to serve Bronx youth. Elected as the first Black Congressman for NY16. Never took a dime in corporate money. A true public servant,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X Wednesday, tagging Rep. Bowman in response to his slim loss in the polls.
“Wall Street came for us again, and the people prevailed,” she posted to X last night after her win. “Thank you to the Bronx and Queens for choosing me to be your Congresswoman. It is the honor of my life to fight for working families and everyday people.”
