Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), a prominent progressive voice in the Democratic Party, is organizing rallies in traditionally conservative districts across New York and Pennsylvania. This initiative aims to mobilize voters against President Donald Trump’s policies during his second term.
In the 2024 election, Trump increased his support in New York, securing 43% of the state’s vote, up from 37% in 2020. This surge has prompted AOC to adopt a more aggressive strategy, stating, “We need to take the argument directly to the people.”
“You look around — who else is doing it? No one…My hope is that the dam will break in terms of Democrats going on the offense … We need to take the argument directly to the people,” AOC commented.
AOC’s approach mirrors that of Senator Bernie Sanders, who has been leading the “Stop Oligarchy Tour” to rally opposition against Trump’s agenda. Sanders has been drawing large crowds, emphasizing resistance to oligarchy and authoritarianism.
AOC’s plan includes solo rallies and collaboration with Sanders, reflecting a concerted effort to challenge Trump’s influence in regions that have traditionally supported him. She has called on fellow Democrats to organize town halls in Republican-heavy districts, urging proactive engagement to counter the president’s agenda.
AOC shared on an Instagram live, “We need to be creatively organizing in Republican districts. And I don’t want to hear, OK, Republicans don’t listen. They are afraid of this. I’m telling you. If you’re near a Republican, if you are in a Republican district and your Republican is not hosting a town hall, it’s time to do community town halls. It’s time to do community teachings. It’s time to do community town halls. It is time to start advertising their absence.”
