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NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - A former organizer for Sen. Bernie Sanders is trying to unseat one of the highest-ranking Democrats in the House.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is hoping to pull off one of the biggest political upsets of 2018 in a primary challenge to 10-term U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley in New York's 14th Congressional District. She is challenging Crowley from the left, with policies calling for the total abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Fox 5 was there this week as she knocked on doors in the Bronx.
The race has garnered national attention because Crowley is the No. 4 Democrat in the House of Representatives and has been named as a possible future speaker of the House.
Ocasio-Cortez is his first primary challenger in more than a decade. He said that is a positive thing because it is good for democracy and debate.
Ocasio-Cortez accuses Crowley of not taking the race seriously. The New York Times editorial board just blasted the congressman for skipping two community debates with her, saying he is taking voters for granted.
Crowley pointed out that they held a debate a week ago in which they talked about many of the issues. He said he is taking the high road in the face of attacks by his challenger.
His main pitch to voters is his experience in Washington, he said his position of Democratic Caucus chairman allows him to speak out more forcefully on issues that matter to Queens and the Bronx.
Ocasio-Cortez said that the people need members of Congress that are beholden to their communities instead of special interests."