As the curtain falls on the 2024 general elections, the remarkable contributions of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) in rallying Democratic support are worth spotlighting.
Her dynamic efforts, both in her home district of New York and on a national scale, have been pivotal in driving voter engagement and supporting the Harris-Walz ticket among key demographics such as Latinos, young people, and the working class.
In New York, AOC’s campaign was a powerhouse of activity. By aligning with over 50 civic groups, unions, and local officials, her team orchestrated a robust ground game—launching more than 160 canvasses and phone banks. The campaign reached out to over 220,000 voters through emails and texts, with volunteers knocking on 130,000 doors and making 139,000 phone calls. The result? An impressive 67% increase in early voting within her district, even as other areas saw declines.
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AOC also took a clear stance on crucial ballot propositions, championing Proposition 1 to safeguard abortion rights and prevent discrimination, while opposing Propositions 2 through 6 which she argued could undermine the city’s balance of power.
Beyond New York, AOC’s influence extended across the nation. Since the Democratic National Convention in August, she conducted over 30 events in pivotal states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Her appearances included major speeches at rallies for reproductive and labor rights, and a notable march to the polls alongside Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. Her grassroots efforts helped mobilize volunteers in key swing districts, contributing to the Democrats’ electoral efforts.
AOC’s leadership also resonated in Puerto Rico, where she endorsed La Alianza, a burgeoning political coalition challenging the status quo with a focus on combating corruption and advocating for Puerto Rican autonomy. Her support culminated in a video address to a massive rally of over 50,000 people.
AOC harnessed the power of social media to amplify her message and counteract adversaries. Her engaging digital presence included a widely viewed Twitch stream with Governor Tim Walz, and viral responses to controversies at Trump rallies that garnered millions of views and likes across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Her digital outreach proved effective in swaying public opinion, as evidenced by research from Blue Rose, which highlighted her content’s high performance in voter influence metrics.
Financially, she has been a significant contributor to Democratic efforts, raising over $300,000 for candidates and donating substantial amounts to voter protection initiatives and campaigns aimed at flipping the House of Representatives.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has emerged as a formidable force in the 2024 election cycle, leveraging her grassroots acumen, digital prowess, and strategic alliances to bolster Democratic victories and advocate for progressive change.