Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has ignited backlash from her progressive base after endorsing multiple moderate Democrats in recent weeks, prompting accusations that she is abandoning the socialist movement that propelled her to national prominence.
According to the New York Post, Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed two centrist Democrats over the past 10 days.
She first backed Mary Peltola in Alaska, a lawmaker described as supportive of gun rights and oil drilling, before endorsing Rep. Julie Johnson (D-TX) in Texas’s newly redrawn 33rd Congressional District.
Ocasio-Cortez announced her endorsement of Johnson in a social media video posted on January 23, as Johnson prepares to face former Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX) in the March 3 Democratic primary.
Johnson’s record has drawn sharp criticism from members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), particularly a vote earlier this month supporting $3.3 billion in U.S. military aid to Israel.
Critics inside the DSA argue that Ocasio-Cortez is moving toward the political center and away from the socialist ideology she once championed, drawing comparisons to Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
“I think it is obvious that AOC is a career opportunist,” one DSA member wrote on a party discussion board this week.
Another member cited Ocasio-Cortez’s positions on Israel, her support for former President Joe Biden, and her endorsement of Johnson as evidence of a broader shift.
“Given AOC’s mental gymnastics for aid to Israel, her backing Biden long after it was obvious he couldn’t run, and now her backing Julie Johnson, I see no reason why she isn’t on the same path as Pelosi,” the member wrote.
“I definitely think we need to cut ties with her,” the same individual added.
Johnson’s vote for military aid to Israel has been a particular flashpoint.
Some DSA members are questioning whether AOC’s endorsement violates the group’s anti-Zionist resolution.
Calls for expulsion have surfaced, though the national DSA revoked its endorsement of Ocasio-Cortez in 2024 over a vote affirming Israel’s right to exist.
The organization’s New York City chapter has continued to support her.
Critics have also pointed to Johnson’s stock trades in a company linked to tracking unauthorized migrants during the Trump administration, a detail that has further fueled frustration among progressive activists.
Some DSA members have speculated that Ocasio-Cortez is positioning herself for higher office, potentially a Senate run or future presidential bid, and that her recent endorsements reflect advice from political consultants urging a move toward the Democratic mainstream.
Political scientist Lonna Atkeson described the shift as a form of leadership, suggesting Ocasio-Cortez is prioritizing party success over ideological purity and focusing on candidates she believes can win.
The endorsement has also raised eyebrows, given the political landscape in Texas’s 33rd District, where Johnson reportedly trails Allred by more than 20 points in polling.
Allred previously represented the neighboring 32nd District for six years.
Ocasio-Cortez defended her endorsement by citing concerns over Republican redistricting in Texas, warning that Democratic seats are at risk.
Still, her decision has exposed deep divisions within the progressive movement, highlighting ongoing tensions between ideological rigidity and electoral strategy.
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