Leftist congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the socialist activist who upset U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley, D-NY, in the primaries, is backing a candidate in South Florida.
Educator Michael Hepburn is running in next week’s Democratic primary to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla. On Monday, he showcased his endorsement from Ocasio-Cortez.
“I’m not an aspiring career politician or a person with a million-dollar net worth but as we continue to visit thousands of voters doors every day – I’m making it very clear that we matter too” said Hepburn.
Hepburn and Ocasio-Cortez are part of Brand New Congress, a group backing leftist candidates for federal office.
Back in June, Hepburn cheered Ocasio-Cortez’s upset win over Crowley and insisted he would follow her lead.
“Now its South Florida turn to make some history this upcoming August but we have to keep sight of the bigger picture. My Brand New Congress running mates and I – made a promise to our communities to fight for affordable housing, education, and economic justice. To stand for Medicare for All, a federal jobs guarantee, and abolishing ICE,” Hepburn insisted in June after Ocasio-Cortez won.
“We cannot fail them," Hepburn added. “But before we can win those legislative victories, we need to make sure my fellow Brand New Congress and Justice Democrats running mates win every primary so we can continue to build a movement that will fight to put people above profits. It’s time to say enough to aspiring career politicians and candidates with million dollar net-worth's running to represent us. It’s time for a Brand New Congress.”
Hepburn has his work cut out for him in next week’s primary. Former U.S. HHS Sec. Donna Shalala and state Rep. David Richardson are the top two candidates in the crowded Democratic primary.
