1. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Challenges Joe Crowley In Congressional Primary
Before anyone knew who she was QCP profiled now U.S. Rep.-Elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as she spoke ro about 30 supporters back in December of 2017 at the Raven’s Head Public House, a bar and restaurant in Astoria.
Ocasio-Cortez went on to defeat longtime U.S. Rep. and Queens County Democratic Party Chair Joe Crowley in the primary in one of the country’s biggest upsets.
2. Catalina Cruz Places Community First In State Assembly Run
While Ocasio-Cortez took most of the Queens political air out of the room, DREAMer Catalina Cruz is another up-and-comer in the borough’s politics.
In 1992, Cruz, and her mother, arrived from Colombia to the United States. While growing up in New York, she saw the consequences of living undocumented, such as avoiding the police and constant wage theft.
She went on to become an attorney and also served as chief of staff for former City Councilmember Julissa Ferreras-Copeland.
3. Ramos Takes On IDC Member Peralta For Senate Seat
It was a year in upheaval in politics as newcomer State Sen.-Elect Jessica Ramos defeated the late former State Sen. Jose Peralta in a district that includes Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Woodside.
Check out our profile of Ramos here.
4. Amazon Makes It Official, HQ2 Coming To Long Island City
The announcement that Amazon is putting their second headquarters in Long Island City was covered by all the media outlets .
It is not a done deal, however, as there are a number of Queens lawmakers opposing the deal with the city. It is an issue that QCP will continue to follow.
Here is our original story on the announcement.
5. Meet Queens County Young Democrats’ New President Dori Ann Pliska
While QCP covered all the big political races in Queens this past year, it also kept with its grassroots policy and looking at the people and clubs doing all the behind the scenes work.
Among those popel is Queens County Young Democrats President Dori Ann Pliska.
