Basic Information About Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Category | Politicians βΊ Democrats |
---|---|
Net worth | $200,000 |
Date of birth | 1989-10-13 (34 years old) |
Place of birth | New York City, U.S. |
Gender | Female |
Social Media | βοΈ Wikipedia |
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Net Worth Details
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC, is an American politician and educator who has a net worth of $200 thousand. She was elected as a member of the United States Congress in 2018 and began serving in January 2019. Representing New York’s 14th Congressional district, AOC receives an annual salary of $174,000.
Biography
What is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez known for?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is known for her progressive political stance and strong advocacy for social and economic reforms. She gained widespread attention during her campaign for Congress in 2018 when she defeated the incumbent Democratic Caucus Chair, Joe Crowley, in a primary race.
Early life and education
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was born on October 13, 1989, in New York City, New York. She grew up in the suburban neighborhood of Yorktown Heights after her family moved there when she was five years old. Her parents, Blanca Ocasio-Cortez and Sergio Ocasio-Cortez, worked hard to support the family, with her father being a small business owner and her mother working as a home cleaner.
During her high school years at Yorktown High School, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demonstrated exceptional intelligence and academic abilities. She achieved recognition for her scientific prowess by coming in second place in the microbiology category of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in 2007.
After completing high school, Ocasio-Cortez enrolled at Boston University, where she interned for U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy while also dealing with the probate battle following her father’s death. These experiences greatly influenced her perspective and sparked her interest in politics.
Career
After college, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez faced financial challenges and took on a job as a bartender and waitress to support her family and prevent her mother from losing their home to foreclosure. She didn’t let adversity hold her back and became an entrepreneur by launching Brook Avenue Press, a publishing firm that aimed to showcase the positive aspects of the Bronx.
As her passion for societal change grew, Ocasio-Cortez joined the nonprofit organization National Hispanic Institute and worked as an organizer for Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign in 2016. During this time, she traveled across the country, engaging with communities affected by various crises such as the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and the Dakota Access Pipeline controversy in North Dakota.
Ocasio-Cortez’s interest in politics deepened further when she received a phone call from Brand New Congress, a progressive candidate recruitment organization. Encouraged by this opportunity, she embarked on her own political campaign against Joe Crowley in 2017.
Political Career
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s political career gained momentum when she challenged Joe Crowley in the primary race for New York’s 14th Congressional district. Despite being substantially outspent by Crowley, Ocasio-Cortez relied on grassroots mobilization and refused donations from corporations.
Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign garnered significant attention and support, leading to her victory with over 57% of the primary vote. Her victory was recognized as one of the biggest upsets in the 2018 election. In the general election, she faced Republican nominee Anthony Pappas and emerged victorious with 78% of the vote.
At the age of 29, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest woman ever to serve in the United States Congress, marking a significant milestone in her career. She is also a member of an informal group of progressive Congress members known as “The Squad,” which includes Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib, Cori Bush, and Jamaal Bowman.
Throughout her tenure in Congress, AOC has openly supported progressive policies such as single-payer Medicare for All, tuition-free public college and trade school, cancellation of outstanding student debt, guaranteed family leave, and the abolition of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Achievements
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s achievements extend beyond her successful political career. Her unrelenting advocacy for social justice and her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds have earned her widespread recognition and a dedicated following.
Notably, Ocasio-Cortez has been endorsed by influential figures such as former President Barack Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders. Her milestone as the youngest woman elected to Congress has allowed her to become an influential voice for young Americans and progressive movements across the country.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s net worth may be modest compared to some other politicians, but her impact on American politics and society is immeasurable. Her determination to challenge the status quo and fight for equitable policies has made her a prominent figure in the modern political landscape.
As Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez continues to make waves and advocate for her constituents and progressive causes, her journey serves as an inspiration to young individuals who aspire to create meaningful change within their communities and beyond.