AOC Supports Two City Council Members in 2025 NYC Elections

New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has officially endorsed two progressive City Council members, Shahana Hanif and Alexa Aviles, as they seek reelection in the upcoming local elections. This marks Ocasio-Cortez’s initial involvement in the city’s 2025 electoral cycle, heightening anticipation regarding her eventual endorsement in the Democratic mayoral primary.

Ocasio-Cortez’s support became a topic of discussion on social media when Hanif distributed campaign literature within her Brooklyn district that featured the congresswoman’s endorsement. This endorsement signifies a significant boost in visibility for Hanif’s campaign, which encompasses neighborhoods such as Park Slope.

Campaign manager Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben confirmed that Ocasio-Cortez is backing both Hanif and Aviles, with a formal announcement scheduled for next week, which will unveil additional endorsements for other Council candidates. While Hidalgo-Wohlleben did not provide specific details on which other candidates may receive Ocasio-Cortez’s support, the significance of these endorsements cannot be overstated.

The endorsement from Ocasio-Cortez is particularly noteworthy in District 39, where Hanif serves. She expressed that the congresswoman’s backing is a defining moment for her campaign and noted Ocasio-Cortez’s influence as a formidable advocate against established political norms, particularly in relation to former President Donald Trump. Aviles, representing Sunset Park, has yet to publicly comment on the endorsement.

Both Hanif and Aviles are preparing for competitive challenges in the Democratic primaries scheduled for June 24. Hanif faces off against Maya Kornberg, a centrist candidate, while Aviles contends with community organizer Ling Ye. The political landscape in which they operate reflects a broader struggle between progressive and moderate forces within the Democratic Party.

The endorsements of Hanif and Aviles represent Ocasio-Cortez’s first political maneuvers in this election cycle, as she continues to cultivate her national profile. Polling suggests she is one of the more recognized and influential figures in the Democratic Party today. Her impending decision regarding the mayoral race carries significant weight, especially as prominent liberal institutions like the New York Times editorial board have chosen to remain neutral this cycle.

Recently, Ocasio-Cortez met individually with mayoral hopefuls Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander, further indicating she is rigorously evaluating her options ahead of her mayoral endorsement. Hidalgo-Wohlleben refrained from commenting on the timeline for Ocasio-Cortez’s mayoral endorsement, but it is clear that her support for Council candidates will precede any announcement regarding the mayoral race.

Lander, who has distanced himself from some of his former progressive stances on policing during the current campaign, previously received Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement for city comptroller in 2021, a pivotal backing that contributed to his electoral success. However, his current mayoral campaign has faced challenges, with him ranking third or fourth in various polls.

Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America like both Hanif and Aviles, has emerged as a popular choice among the progressives, advocating for initiatives like rent stabilization and city-owned grocery stores. Amid the backdrop of these campaigns, Ocasio-Cortez’s strategic endorsements signal her ongoing commitment to fostering progressive leadership in New York City.