image courtesy Open Commons @2022
Last Updated on: 18th June 2024, 09:30 am
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (often referred to as AOC) was born on October 13, 1989, and is the representative for New York’s District 14. At the time of her election in 2018, she was the youngest US politician ever to be elected to office. Her campaign’s success was attributed largely to her social media presence, which earned her national acclaim.
Here are some more facts about AOC that may surprise you:
1. She is an active member of the Democratic Socialists of America
Ocasio-Cortez is an active member of the Democratic Socialists of America and ran on a progressive platform, which included abolishing ICE, criminal justice reform, tuition-free college, and universal healthcare, according to Biography.com
“Our campaign was focused on just a laser-focused message of economic, social and racial dignity for working-class Americans, especially those in Queens and the Bronx,” AOC said during an interview after her win.
2. She Calls Herself Sandy From The Bronx (But She’s Not… Really)
AOC often refers to herself by her nickname and references her humble Bronx upbringing. “I wasn’t born to a wealthy or powerful family — mother from Puerto Rico, father from the South Bronx,” she said in one campaign video.
However, it was later revealed that although AOC was born in the Bronx, she grew up in a three-bedroom house in the upscale Westchester area.
Ocasio-Cortez’s family moved to this home in Yorktown Heights, New York, when she was five. She lived there and attended public school in North Yorktown until she went to college.
3. She Said The World Is Going To End In Twelve Years
In 2019, AOC made headlines when she said that the world is going to end in twelve years.
AOC made the remark at the MLK Now event in New York City celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Ocasio-Cortez compared the fight against climate change to “World War II.”
“Millennials and Gen Z and all these folks that come after us are looking up, and we’re like, ‘The world is going to end in 12 years if we don’t address climate change, and your biggest issue is how are we gonna pay for it?'” she said.
4. She Had An Ongoing Twitter Feud With Elon Musk
AOC and Elon Musk have had an ongoing X (formerly Twitter) feud going over a variety of different issues.
At one point AOC hit out at Musk for charging $8 for the blue check mark on Twitter.
“Lmao at a billionaire earnestly trying to sell people on the idea that ‘free speech’ is actually a $8/mo subscription plan,” Ocasio-Cortez tweeted.
“Your feedback is appreciated, now pay $8,” Musk retorted.
During another incident, Teslaconomics posted a photoshopped image of AOC with blonde hair and the question, “Elon, when’s the date with AOC?”
To which Musk replied, “Alas she would never date me I’m not cool enough.”
5. She is Engaged To Riley Roberts
In 2022, AOC started sporting a ring on her finger, signifying that she and her long-time boyfriend, Riley Roberts, Head of Marketing for Boston-based software company HomeBinder, had gotten engaged.
According to Market Realist, the ring was a modest size, and AOC shared that it’s “zero-emission and recycled gold.”
AOC and Riley share a home within her district. During the congressional session, she commutes between her New York City residence and an apartment in Washington, D.C. They also have a French bulldog named Deco.
- Ilhan Omar: The Fast Facts That May Surprise You - October 24, 2023
- Hillary Clinton: The Fast Facts That May Surprise You - October 22, 2023
- Bill Clinton: The Fast Facts That May Surprise You - October 18, 2023