'Abolish ICE' Socialist Newcomer Stuns Top Democrat with Primary Upset

Drew Parkhill : Jun 27, 2018
CBN News

Ocasio-Cortez's victory could be a sign of a generational divide among Democrats as younger voters push the party to the Left. But that could hurt the Democrats in general elections, as millions of Americans remain skeptical of many Washington programs, and government intervention in the economy.

[CBN News] Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a 28-year-old Bernie Sanders supporter, won a shocking upset when she decisively beat 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley in New York's Democratic Congressional primary elections Tuesday. (Photo: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez/via CBN News)

Crowley is the fourth-ranking Democrat in the House, and was considered a possible replacement for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker if the Democrats retake the House. Crowley represented New York's 14th Congressional District, which includes parts of the Bronx and Queens.

Ocasio-Cortez ran on a strong left-wing platform, including support for universal health care and a federal guarantee of jobs. She also wants to abolish ICE—Immigration and Customs Enforcement—the federal department that enforces US immigration laws. She worked for the Sanders campaign in 2016, and she's a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Crowley overwhelmingly outspent Ocasio-Cortez, by a margin of 18 to one, but it wasn't enough. She had a strong grassroots bid, and won the endorsement of some groups on the Democratic Party's far left, like MoveOn.

Ocasio-Cortez's victory could be a sign of a generational divide among Democrats as younger voters push the party to the Left. But that could hurt the Democrats in general elections, as millions of Americans remain skeptical of many Washington programs, and government intervention in the economy.

On the Republican side, President Trump continued his winning streak, as candidates he endorsed once again won their races.

In Utah, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney coasted to victory in the Republican primary to become the GOP nominee in the race to replace retiring Sen. Orrin Hatch. Romney beat lawmaker Mike Kennedy with nearly 72 percent of the vote.

And in the South Carolina Republican primary, incumbent Gov. Henry McMaster held off a challenge from businessman John Warren.

Trump endorsed both McMaster and Romney.