Congresswoman and self-described “socialist” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has angered many of her party members by teaming up with an outside progressive group that seeks to primary incumbent moderate Democrats.
Now, some of those Democrats are seeking to turn the tables on her: They want a Democrat to primary Ocasio-Cortez.
According to The Hill, “At least one House Democrat has been privately urging members of the New York delegation to recruit a local politician from the Bronx or Queens to challenge Ocasio-Cortez.”
Should She Stay or Should She Go?
“What I have recommended to the New York delegation is that you find her a primary opponent and make her a one-term congressperson,” an anonymous Democratic lawmaker told The Hill. “You’ve got numerous council people and state legislators who’ve been waiting 20 years for that seat. I’m sure they can find numerous people who want that seat in that district.”
“The New York delegation has eyed Ocasio-Cortez with skepticism ever since last summer when the 29-year-old self-described democratic socialist shocked the political world and defeated then-Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) in what many thought would be a sleepy primary race,” The Hill notes. “Crowley, a Queens powerbroker and affable House Democratic Caucus chairman, had been considered a possible future Speaker.”
Some Dems privately push for primary challenge for Ocasio-Cortez https://t.co/5O5Jr1V23q pic.twitter.com/F0wbGWHea0
— The Hill (@thehill) January 29, 2019
“She’s pissing off a lot of people…”
Ocasio-Cortez has rubbed many in her party the wrong way, due to her outspoken criticism. While no potential challengers are on the radar yet, don’t be surprised if it happens. As the anonymous Democrat notes, there are plenty in her district who would want that seat.
“She’s pissing off a lot of people and has probably made a lot of enemies…” said the insider.
For now, Ocasio-Cortez doesn’t seem worried about a primary challenger emerging. As arguably the most famous face of the Democratic Party right now, she has already been a strong fundraiser and you should expect those dollars to continue to pour in heading into 2020.
But never say never either. For all the attention she gets pushing far-left ideas, there are just as many Democrats who would love to take Ocasio-Cortez down. If that happens, the whole spectacle will be amusing to watch.