Democrat · New York's 14th District · 2026
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Ocasio-Cortez had an asteroid named for her after placing second in a high school microbiology competition.
Biography
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has an asteroid named for her: 23238 Ocasio-Cortez, recognizing her second place finish in microbiology at the 2007 Intel science fair.1 Her research examined antioxidants and longevity.2 Born in the Bronx, she grew up in Yorktown while regularly visiting extended family back in the borough.3
Her mother worked as a domestic worker, and her father ran a small business in the Bronx.3 She graduated from Boston University after studying economics and international relations.3 After her father's death from cancer in 2008, she worked extra shifts as a waitress and bartender to help support her family amid medical bills and other expenses.3
Her earlier work also included youth organizing and serving as educational director with the National Hispanic Institute.3 She volunteered for Bernie Sanders in 2016, defeated incumbent Joe Crowley in 2018 and entered Congress in January 2019.3 During her first term, she introduced the Green New Deal resolution, proposing a national mobilization around climate, infrastructure and employment.3
She now serves on Energy and Commerce, with assignments covering energy, health and oversight.4 Her platform calls for Medicare for All, repairing public housing, building affordable homes, stronger unions and a federal jobs guarantee.5 She also supports abolishing ICE.5 Republican Diamant Hysenaj challenges her for the 14th District seat.6
Record and controversies
Met Gala ethics finding
In July 2025, the House Ethics Committee found that Ocasio-Cortez had accepted impermissible gifts through underpayment for some Met Gala attire and free admission for her then partner.7 It found no evidence that she intentionally underpaid or delayed payments, credited her efforts to comply, and concluded that she had not properly supervised a staffer.7 The committee said no sanction was warranted provided she paid Brother Vellies another $2,733.28 and donated $250 for her partner's meal to the Costume Institute.7 Her chief of staff said she accepted the ruling and would remedy the remaining amounts.8