With a month to go until the Congressional primaries in New York, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her staff unveiled a new Elmhurst office on Saturday evening.
Ocasio-Cortez is running against U.S. Rep. and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside & Parts of the Bronx) in New York’s 14th Congressional District. The campaign is now in the final stretch with the primary set for June 26th.
The Bronx native met with supporters in her office right by the 7 train. At least 40 people met in the cramped, humid space complete with pastries, snacks, and appetizers.
After an hour or so, Ocasio-Cortez met at the Triangle Ninety XC square in front of the office to talk about the campaign and the next steps. She spoke about the importance of the primary as people passing by stopped to watch her speak.
“By the time we’re done with this,” said Ocasio-Cortez, “NY-14 is going to be ‘The People’s Seat.’”
The first-time candidate spoke about the last 30 days of the campaign and urged her supporters to work as much as they can until June 26th. She added that no one would want to have remaining energy after the date.
“We are 30 days away from changing the guard in Queens. We are 30 days away from changing from the guard in the Bronx. We are 30 days away from changing national politics. We are 30 days way from changing the Democratic Party,” she said.
Furthermore, Ocasio-Cortez spoke about issues she wanted to focus on if elected. She focused on housing as an example with her stance against rezoning.
Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of viewing her candidacy as a movement rather than an individual. She noted the struggles and successes that volunteers went through over the course of the primaries. From petitioning during snowstorms to informing residents of the campaign, she felt confident of ending the primary on a high.
“All the movement needs is the people who believe in a better future,” she said.
The Democratic primary for federal elections is set for Tuesday, June 26th.
