Discontent Among Democratic Socialists Over AOC’s Choices
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are expressing outrage at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for not backing more radical candidates in the Texas midterm elections. Instead, she has opted to support a more moderate member of the Democratic Party.
Last week, the Queens Democratic Party voiced its support for Rep. Julie Johnson (D-Texas), known as a “Blue Dog,” in a highly competitive race for the newly drawn 33rd District in Dallas. This endorsement has sparked criticism from some voters, who labeled her a “career opportunist” during a recent debate.
“She won’t survive the primaries if she keeps this up,” one attendee warned. “It makes us look foolish.”
Supporters had hoped that AOC, who is one of the DSA’s most visible members, would back Zeeshan Hafeez, a political outsider and first-generation Pakistani immigrant. Hafeez aims to challenge federal authority, advocating for the abolition of ICE and prosecution of its agents.
Though Hafeez isn’t a DSA member, he has garnered support from several progressive groups like the Dallas County Young Democrats and Progressive Democrats of America.
Hafeez, 42, who works at Salesforce, relayed to the Post that he had made several attempts to reach out to AOC for her endorsement, but was unsuccessful. He only discovered her support for Johnson after she publicly announced it on social media.
“I was taken aback,” Hafeez commented. “A lot of Democrats were caught off guard.”
“My policies align perfectly with hers and those of the movement. I could have been one of her strongest advocates in Congress,” he added.
Hafeez accused Johnson of initially supporting a bill to boost ICE funding before retracting her stance due to public backlash. “I can’t help but think a deal was made,” he said.
Ocasio-Cortez has now backed two moderate Democrats in the past 10 days, prompting frustration from some DSA members who feel she is following a more centrist path similar to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s.
AOC has not responded to requests for comments.
