If you’re a Democrat and you’re voting with Republicans, you might soon find yourself on a list. Liberal firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is reportedly putting together a list of moderate Democrats that she and the far-left group the Justice Democrats might challenge come primary season.
So far, AOC has bucked many of the traditions in Congress. Generally speaking, freshmen members of Congress are expected to sit back and shut up. Many avoid being too public and too loud, at least outside of their home district.
AOC, however, has established herself as a media superstar. Many younger and more liberal Americans have voiced support for her and her politics, which often falls far to the left of other Democrats in Congress.
And now, those moderate Democrats may find themselves targeted by AOC. Her spokesman, Corbin Trent, stated that AOC told her Democratic colleagues that if they vote with Republicans, they are “putting themselves on a list.”
Could AOC lead a political insurgency and push sitting members out of Congress through primary challenges? Her own career is proof that it’s possible. AOC unseated one of the most powerful and long-established Democrats in Congress last year through her own primary insurgency.
However, AOC can only run for one office. Primary challenges are difficult as the challenger must overcome all the benefits that come with being in office, including free publicity and easy access to donors.
The most recent spat between AOC and her fellow Democrats came after 26 Democrats in the House sided with Republicans to add an amendment to a proposed gun reform law. The amendment would require gun sellers to notify ICE if an illegal immigrant tried to purchase a weapon. AOC has frequently called for ICE to be abolished.
