November 11, 2024 — New York, NY — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was easily re-elected to a third term in Congress on Tuesday, has opened a window into the complex and shifting political landscape of her district following the unexpected results of the 2024 election. In a series of social media posts, the Bronx and Queens Democrat revealed some of the surprising responses she received from voters who cast ballots for both President-elect Donald Trump and herself or other down-ballot Democrats.
Ocasio-Cortez, a rising star in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, used her popular Instagram account to connect directly with her 8 million followers in the aftermath of the election. Seeking to better understand the dynamics behind the shift in voting patterns, particularly in the working-class neighborhoods of her district, she quizzed her followers on their reasons for voting for both Trump and Democratic candidates.
One respondent’s comment stood out as emblematic of the broader trend: “It’s really simple… Trump and you care for the working class.” This echoed a striking shift in political allegiance, particularly among non-college-educated voters, who have increasingly leaned toward the Republican Party since 2016.
Ocasio-Cortez’s district, which includes parts of the Bronx and Queens, has historically been a Democratic stronghold. In 2020, nearly 80% of voters in her district supported Joe Biden, while only 22% backed Donald Trump. However, in 2024, that margin shrank dramatically. According to city voting records reported by Daily Kos, just 65% of voters in her district supported Vice President Kamala Harris, while 33% cast their ballots for Trump — a shift that mirrors national trends in working-class voter realignment.
The loss of support for Harris in her own district was a stunning development for many observers, including political analysts who had expected Democrats to hold onto their traditional strongholds with ease. In a year when Trump won several battleground states and flipped historically blue regions, Ocasio-Cortez’s district swung toward Trump by one of the highest margins among New York City voters.
Ocasio-Cortez, who won her first election in 2018 in a stunning upset, has long positioned herself as a champion of economic, social, and racial justice for working-class Americans. In 2020, she emphasized her commitment to “a laser-focused message” that resonated with many of the voters who felt abandoned by both major parties. In a post on Instagram, she reflected on this approach, acknowledging that the political realignment among working-class voters was a “huge wake-up call” for Democrats.
“It’s clear that working-class voters are looking for someone who speaks directly to their struggles,” Ocasio-Cortez said in an interview following her re-election. “It’s not just about identity politics or messaging — it’s about creating policies that lift people up and ensure they have good jobs, affordable healthcare, and a fair chance at success.”
While Ocasio-Cortez’s message may have resonated with her base, the shift among working-class voters presents a significant challenge for the Democratic Party as it navigates the aftermath of this unexpected election. The rise of populist rhetoric on the right, coupled with concerns over economic stagnation, trade policy, and rising costs of living, has created a new set of priorities for many voters in the post-pandemic era.
The broader implications of the 2024 election are still unfolding, but Ocasio-Cortez’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the future of the Democratic Party. She has made it clear that her focus will remain on economic justice, but she also understands that voters are increasingly looking for candidates who can address their immediate economic concerns — even if that means breaking with traditional party lines.
As the dust settles from a tumultuous election season, Ocasio-Cortez is left to consider how best to bridge the growing divide within her party while continuing to represent the working-class voters who have long been at the heart of her political vision. Whether she can navigate this shift and retain her influence in a changing political landscape will be a question for 2026 and beyond.
For now, her message remains clear: Democrats must reconnect with the working class, or risk losing even more ground in future elections.