While Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez scored a major upset on Tuesday, Anthony Pappas obtained the official Republican nomination for the Congressional race.
Pappas, a St. John’s University professor, was the only candidate running in the race that sought the Republican label.
“I am happy to have received the GOP nomination,” Pappas said. “The Ocasio-Cortez upset has shifted attention to the 14th Congressional District and enhanced the opportunity to become a larger part of the political conversation.”
Pappas must now face Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a 28-year-old woman from the Bronx that defeated longtime incumbent U.S. Rep. and House Democratic Caucus Leader Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside & Parts of the Bronx)
With Crowley out of the equation, Anthony Pappas faces newcomer Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the upcoming general election.
Joann Ariola, the chair of the Queens County Republican Party, said Pappas’ background made him qualified to earn the party’s backing in the general election.
“Anthony Pappas approached our County organization seeking endorsement. His credentials were impressive, especially in the area of education. Mr. Pappas was unanimously supported for endorsement by the Executive Committee,” she said.
She also commented on the latest upset that has received national and international attention. Ariola noted the party’s strategy is “very much the same” when campaigning in the district.
“It has always been our contention that the Democrats were dancing too close to the flame with the Socialist movement cloaking themselves as ‘Progressive.’ Now, it has come back to bite them. Our agenda was always to fight back the ‘Progressive’ far left with candidates that have platforms that make sense and not offer pie-in-the-sky solutions to real problems,” she said.
