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An activist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Ocasio-Cortez seduced voters from the minority-dominated district with a ruthlessly effective grassroots candidacy, even though Crowley – the fourth Democrat in the House – won the day. -to-1 margin.
It was the first time in 14 years that a member of his own party was trying to overthrow Crowley, who chairs the Queens County Democrats. His defeat marks a potential change in the wider sphere of liberal politics – a result with implications for Democrats nationwide that would call, as optimists consistently noted during the campaign, the loss of the political economy. former GOP Majority Leader Eric Cantor. supported Dave Brat in June 2014.
"This is not an end, it's the beginning, it's the beginning because the message we sent to the world tonight is that it's not acceptable to put donors in front of your community, "said Ocasio-Cortez Tuesday evening.
She cast her victory as the green victories of triumph over the "deep midnight and darkness" of the political moment – and a message to progressive organizers alike that their brand of activism might succeed on a larger scale.
"You have given hope to this country, you have given this country proof that when you knock on your neighbor's door, when you come to them with love, when you let them know that no matter your position, you are there for them, can change, "she said.
While Ocasio-Cortez behaved distrustfully to his left – with universal health care, a federal job guarantee and the abolition of ICE at the head of his claims -, Crowley boasted a tremendous Liberal record. He was the first member of the Democratic House leadership to sign "Medicare for All" and was a strong advocate for immigrant rights. But he has also stumbled, repeatedly, on the trail of the campaign, the likely residue of spending so many years without a primary test.
"What are we," asked the council on behalf of voters, "chopped liver"?
"I understand that it has not been challenged for 14 years," Ocasio-Cortez said, "but that does not mean that it's not going to happen elections," he said. Actually, what is happening right now is historic and it's an opportunity for the community. "
She also spent time on the front lines of the pitched battle on US border politics under the Trump administration. Last weekend, just days before the primary, Ocasio-Cortez left New York to participate in protests at an ICE detention center in Texas.
"The reason I was able to do that is because we built here a legitimate movement of local organizers to keep it going for 24 to 48 hours," she said. and I think it reflects the strength of what we built.It was a benefit, in fact, because our community here really wanted to do something and did not want to have the impression of choosing to. 39; organize the campaign rather than choosing to comment and organize around that moment. "
She also managed to link this activism, as well as her unopposed demand, for the complete abolition of ICE to the interests of the diverse population of her district.
"We have families and communities here (in the 14th district) of Ecuador and Colombia, Bangladesh, Korea and Pakistan, and I see them every day, many of them have very afraid of what's going on. " "With my campaign, in terms of immigration, we try to say," Hey, we have your back. "
Crowley also took a few shots at ICE, the "fascist" caller, but he did not demand his removal. During a televised debate with Ocasio-Cortez less than two weeks before the primary, Crowley argued that "simply abolishing the agency does not take it out of the hands of (Attorney General) Jeff Sessions or what President".
He then turned to what had been the main theme of his campaign – the argument that, with Trump in power, Democrats should rely on experienced legislators, far from ideological brandons, to navigate opposition on Capitol Hill.
"It's about making change happen in Washington," said Crowley, who in his leadership role has raised money for Democrats across the country. "The Democrats are taking back control of the House of Representatives – and that's what I'm doing."
But with the results of Tuesday, he will do it from the sideline.
"I want to congratulate Mrs Ocasio-Cortez for her victory tonight," Crowley said in a statement. "I look forward to supporting it, as well as all Democrats, in November 2007. The Trump administration is a threat to everything we represent here in Queens and the Bronx, and if we do not reclaim the House in November, we will lose the nation, love. "
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