Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Facts | Britannica

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• Introduction
• Early life and career
• “Turning point”
• Campaign for the NY-14 congressional seat
• First term: The Green New Deal
• Second term
• Third term

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Nov 15, 2025 American politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019, defeating Democratic incumbent Joseph Crowley in a shocking primary upset. Ocasio-Cortez won the seat, which represents New York's 14th congressional district, after running a grassroots campaign that highlighted a progressive political agenda.

Facts

Also Known As	AOC
Born	October 13, 1989 (age 36) • New York City • New York
Title / Office	House of Representatives (2019-), United States
Political Affiliation	Democratic Party
Notable Family Members	daughter of Sergio Ocasio-Roman • daughter of Blanca Ocasio-Cortez • sister of Gabriel Ocasio-Cortez
Education	Boston University (B.A., 2011) • Yorktown High School (Yorktown Heights, New York)
Founder Of	Brook Avenue Press
Twitter Handle	@RepAOC
Instagram Username	aoc

Top Questions

Does Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have siblings? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has one brother, Gabriel Ocasio-Cortez. What degree does Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez graduated cum laude from Boston University in 2011 with a bachelor of arts degree in economics and international relations. Who are Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's parents? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was born to Sergio Ocasio-Roman, an architect born in the Bronx, and Blanca Ocasio-Cortez, who was born in Puerto Rico. Ocasio-Roman died while Alexandria was in her sophomore year of college at Boston University. Where is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's district? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez represents New York's 14th congressional district, which includes parts of the Bronx and Queens. Where did Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez go to college? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attended Boston University, where she graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in economics and international relations.

Did You Know?

• Ocasio-Cortez's high school microbiology project won second place in the microbiology category at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in 2007.
• Ocasio-Cortez was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives at the age of 29, making her the youngest woman to be elected to the House.

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