Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (born October 13, 1989), widely known as AOC, is a U.S. Representative for New York's 14th district, serving since 2019. She made history as the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, taking office at age 29, and is a prominent member of the Democratic Socialists of America. She first gained national attention in 2018 by defeating 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley in a stunning primary upset, and has since been re-elected in 2020, 2022, and 2024. A progressive and self-described democratic socialist, she advocates for transformative policies like the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, tuition-free public college, and abolishing ICE. Raised in the Bronx and later Yorktown Heights, her background includes graduating cum laude from Boston University, working as a bartender, and organizing for Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. Her personal story—from a modest upbringing to a political powerhouse—makes her a central figure in the modern progressive movement.