Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is reportedly looking to unseat the new Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Hakeem Jeffries in 2020, according to Politico.
Two unnamed sources with knowledge of the plan told Politico that Ms. Ocasio-Cortez and Justice Democrats, a progressive advocacy group, are looking for a candidate to primary Mr. Jeffries in New York.
“We’re not going to shy away from New York,” the source with information on Justice Democrats told the news outlet.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, who will represent the Bronx when she comes to D.C., unseated the current Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Joe Crowley in a surprising upset earlier this summer.
According to Politico, Mr. Jefferies has become a target for several reasons, including taking donations from corporations. He also reportedly angered Ms. Ocasio-Cortez by allegedly using her campaign donation to Rep. Barbara Lee in a whisper campaign in his fight for the chairman position.
“It’s personal for Ocasio,” their source, who spoke with the incoming congresswoman, said. “And she’s going to go all out to take him out.”
Corbin Trent, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’ spokesman, acknowledged their team was “disappointed” in Mr. Jeffries but denied that they were looking to challenge him.
“We’re not looking at recruiting people to run campaigns, we’re looking at building a congressional staff,” he told Politico.
Mr. Jeffries, who like Ms. Ocasio-Cortez is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, responded by telling Politico, “It’s a free country and democracy is a beautiful thing.”
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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