Trivia

In 2019, Time magazine referred to her as the "second most talked-about politician in America" (behind President Donald Trump). According to Gallup, Ocasio-Cortez easily had the highest name recognition of any freshman congressperson in recent history, with over 71% awareness.

Won the Democratic primary for New York's 14th congressional district in June 2018, defeating the long-serving incumbent in what the media called a "titanic upset". She was elected in November, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at age 29.

Has an asteroid named for her, 23238 Ocasio-Cortez (2000 WU111), due to winning second place in the 2007 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

Of Puerto Rican descent.

Used to work as a bartender and waitress in Manhattan.

Is a fan of Star Trek: Voyager (1995) and cites Captain Janeway, portrayed by Kate Mulgrew, as one of her inspirations. Mulgrew later made a surprise appearance at one of her rallies and gifted her a combadge.

Her father died of lung cancer in 2008.

Once worked as an intern for Ted Kennedy.

A member of the Democratic Socialists of America.