AOC

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—widely referred to by her initials AOC, including on Twitter as @AOC—came into the spotlight in January 2018, when she upset longtime incumbent Joe Crowley in the Democratic primary for New York’s 14th congressional district, which covers parts of the Bronx and Queens in New York City.

Of Puerto Rican descent, AOC won that seat in November 2018 to become the youngest-ever woman elected to Congress. AOC continued to make headlines through her effective use of social media to engage people across the nation. A member of the Democrat Socialists of America, AOC has promoted very progressive policies concerning climate change (sponsoring the Green New Deal) and taxes (a 70% marginal tax rate for incomes over $10 million).

As inspiring as many on the left find her, many of the right are infuriated—or shall we say challenged—by her powerful and outspoken brand. In January 2019, for instance, a Twitter user attempted to smear her by sharing a video of her from college where she dances out a scene from The Breakfast Club. The effort backfired, however, as the video only made her more likable and relatable, boosting her profile.

In April 2019, AOC was criticized for “verbal blackface” in a speech that incorporated elements of Black English, but linguists identified it as code-switching thanks to her urban Latinx background.

I hear the GOP thinks women dancing are scandalous.

Wait till they find out Congresswomen dance too! 💃🏽

Have a great weekend everyone :) pic.twitter.com/9y6ALOw4F6

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 4, 2019