BUFFAlO, N.Y. (WBEN)......Democratic Party rising star Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is making her first local appearance in Buffalo since 2021 as she meets later Thursday with Mayor Sean Ryan and, later, leads a voter training rally.
Ocasio-Cortez, mentioned by many political pundits as a possible Senate or presidential candidate, is coming to Buffalo as part of a statewide initiative to reinvigorate disenfranchised registered Democrats but also encourage voters to support midterm Democratic candidates and support Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The self-described Democratic/Socialist Party member of Congress, Ocasio-Cortez is expected to have an hour-long closed door, private meeting with Ryan and then meet with other key leaders before heading to the voter training session.
"I hope she can move Sean (Ryan) back towards the left," said India Walton, the former Buffalo mayoral candidate and now a senior advisor for New York Working Families Party.
Ocasio-Cortez was a strong supporter of Walton's 2021 mayoral run that included the surprise upset of incumbent Mayor Byron Brown in a June primary. Walton, later, lost to Brown in the general election.
In fact, Ocasio-Cortez's last local appearance was a campaign rally for Walton.
"She will make a strong candidate," Walton said.
Ocasio-Cortez, 36, was the youngest person of Latina descent to get elected to Congress in 2019. She represents the 14th Congressional District that covers a large swath of New York City.
Cheektowaga Supervisor Brian Nowak, who also considers himself a Democrat/Socialist, downplayed Ocasio-Cortez's visit.
"Clearly, it is political in nature," Nowak said.
Nowak said he will not be attending any of the Ocasio-Cortez events mainly because he has a long scheduled "town hall meeting" that runs for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"Having face time with my own constituents is more important," Nowak said.
Ocasio-Cortez to meet with Sean Ryan, host a get out to vote rally
Ocasio-Cortez to meet with Sean Ryan, host a get out to vote rally
