Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York’s 14th congressional district since January 3, 2019. Born on October 13, 1989, in the Bronx, New York City, she attended Yorktown High School and later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston University in 2011. Prior to her election to Congress, Ocasio-Cortez worked as a community organizer, focusing on social justice issues.
Throughout her time in office, Ocasio-Cortez has been involved in various legislative efforts that align with her progressive platform, advocating for policies aimed at addressing climate change, social inequality, and labor rights. She is particularly known for her commitment to environmental justice and has sponsored key initiatives such as the 10 Percent Credit Card Interest Rate Cap Act (HB1944), which seeks to impose limits on credit card interest rates to enhance consumer protection.
Ocasio-Cortez is also a champion of various health and education reforms. She is a supporter of the Transgender Health Care Access Act (HB2487), designed to enhance healthcare access for transgender individuals, focusing on training healthcare providers to deliver culturally competent care. Additionally, she has co-sponsored the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act (HB2739), which aims to reform how schools address student behavior, shifting focus from punitive measures to supportive counseling.
As a member of several committees, including the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Ocasio-Cortez actively shapes policy discussions on energy and public accountability. Her legislative focus reflects a blend of progressive values with an emphasis on transparency and equity, resonating with younger voters and advocacy groups alike.
Her political leanings are defined by her support for sweeping reforms intended to combat structural inequalities and enhance public welfare. For instance, the VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act (HB2722) aims to stabilize funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring that veterans receive necessary support without disruptions due to budgetary constraints. Ocasio-Cortez is also involved in measures to fight climate change, such as the Oyster Reef Recovery Act of 2025 (HB360), which aims to restore critical oyster habitats.
In terms of her personal life, Ocasio-Cortez has maintained a relatively private profile but has discussed her experiences as a working-class individual navigating the political landscape. This background informs her advocacy for socio-economic reforms and is central to her identity as a member of Congress.
Overall, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's legislative efforts and political activities are characterized by a steadfast commitment to addressing pressing social and environmental issues, reflecting her progressive ideology and responsiveness to the constituencies she represents.