Progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) encouraged individuals to support three Democrats in battleground states.
In an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and in a subsequent social media post, the New York lawmaker advocated that winning U.S. Senate elections in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin would allow Democrats to expand the Supreme Court and abolish the filibuster.
In addition to the progressive priorities, Ocasio-Cortez added that U.S. Senate candidates John Fetterman in Pennsylvania, Tim Ryan in Ohio, and Mandela Barnes in Wisconsin would help repeal the Hyde Amendment and pass national legislation on abortion:
We are not powerless, and we are never beyond hope. History shows us the way. We CAN do more to pursue these items more aggressively. And THEN once we do, we can secure the W and turnout the vote for @johnfetterman in PA, @theothermandela in WI & @timryanoh in OH this November:
– expansion of SCOTUS
– end the Senate filibuster
– repeal the Hyde Amendment
– codify Roe, same-sex marriage, right to contraception, and interracial marriage
In the past, many politicians in close, battleground-state elections have been hesitant to embrace the young legislator’s support, as many independent voters are turned off by her far-left policy initiatives.
For example, Ocasio-Cortez has advocated to “defund the police.” However, polls show voters reject the idea, especially amid an extended crime spike that has rocked many cities across the country.
However, immediately following the post, Mandela Barnes, currently locked in a tight Democratic Senate primary in Wisconsin, welcomed the support, saying “let’s get this done.”
On the other hand, Fetterman and Ryan, who have already secured their state party’s nomination, did not immediately acknowledge the endorsement.
Republicans were quick to jump on the announcement. The campaign of J.D. Vance, who is taking on Tim Ryan in Ohio, said, “It’s no surprise, since he votes with AOC 95% of the time.”
The NRSC claimed Barnes welcomed the support of “D.C. liberals.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez” by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
