Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, widely known as AOC, is an American politician and activist who made history by becoming the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district in 2019. Born on October 13, 1989, in New York City, NY, to working-class parents of Puerto Rican descent, Blanca Ocasio-Cortez and Sergio Ocasio, she grew up in the Bronx.
Ocasio-Cortez pursued higher education and earned degrees in Economics and International Relations at Boston University. It was during her time at university that she became involved in political activism, advocating for various social justice issues. This early involvement would set the stage for her future career in politics.
In 2019, Ocasio-Cortez made waves in the political world when she defeated incumbent Joe Crowley in the Democratic primary for New York's 14th district. Her victory was seen as a huge upset and marked the beginning of her journey to becoming a household name in American politics.
Upon her induction into the House of Representatives, Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest woman ever to serve in the U.S. Congress at the age of 29. This milestone highlighted her status as a trailblazer in the political arena and solidified her position as a rising star within the Democratic party.
In addition to her political career, Ocasio-Cortez has been open about her personal life. In 2014, she began a relationship with Riley Roberts, and in May 2022, the couple announced their engagement, further solidifying her presence in the public eye.
Before her election to Congress, Ocasio-Cortez served as an intern at the U.S. Immigration Office under former Senator Ted Kennedy. This experience gave her valuable insights into the workings of government and fueled her passion for advocating on behalf of marginalized communities.
Throughout her career, Ocasio-Cortez has remained a vocal advocate for progressive policies and social justice causes. Her rise to prominence serves as a testament to the power of grassroots movements and resonates with a new generation of political activists.