Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has won a second primary, without even knowing she was a candidate. Her whirlwind rise to fame comes after a shocking June 26 victory over 10-term Democratic incumbent Rep. Joe Crowley, in New York’s 14th Congressional District.
On Tuesday, the Reform Party in New York’s 15th Congressional District, which neighbors the 14th District, held a write-in primary election, and Ocasio-Cortez won it with 9 of the 22 write-in votes even though she wasn’t a candidate, according to the New York Daily News. She beat the current 15th District Rep. Jose Serrano, who was first elected to Congress in 1990.
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The 15th District, comprised of mostly Bronx neighborhoods, includes a large Hispanic population, similar to that of the 14th District. So it’s not surprising that its constituents would be in favor of Ocasio-Cortez’s Hispanic heritage as well.
The New York City Board of Elections certified Ocasio-Cortez’s victory, says the New York Daily News, but New York candidates are not permitted to run in two separate districts’ races.
While the country continues to obsess over Ocasio-Cortez, she had to decline the nomination.
“Shockingly — and I’m told this is not a joke — we have ALSO won a primary in the neighboring 15th Congressional District via write-in campaign on the Reform line!” Ocasio Cortez tweeted Tuesday night. “While I am honored that so many Bronxites are excited about our campaign, I will remain the Dem nominee for NY-14.”
Given Ocasio-Cortez’s wave of recent victories, things are looking up for the aspiring youngest-ever congresswoman.
Cover image: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez marches during the Bronx’s pride parade in the Bronx borough of New York City, New York, U.S., June 17, 2018. Picture taken June 17, 2018. REUTERS/David ‘Dee’ Delgado
