Rep. Joseph Crowley loses New York primary for 11th term to political newcomer Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Rep. Joseph Crowley has been defeated by 28-year-old Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Democratic congressional primary in New York.
- Crowley had been considered a candidate to become the next House speaker if Democrats win the majority.
- Ocasio-Cortez, who has never held elected office, ran a low-budget campaign and was outspent by an 18-1 margin.
In a shocking upset, Rep. Joseph Crowley has been defeated by a 28-year-old Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Democratic congressional primary in New York.
Crowley had been considered a candidate to become the next House speaker if Democrats win the majority.
Ocasio-Cortez, who has never held elected office, ran a low-budget campaign and was outspent by an 18-1 margin. She won the endorsement of some influential groups on the party's left, including MoveOn, and has been a community organizer in the Bronx.
Crowley has been in Congress since 1999. He represents New York's 14th Congressional District, which includes parts of the Bronx and Queens.
Crowley congratulated Ocasio-Cortez on her win: "I want nothing but the best for Ms. Ocasio-Cortez," Crowley said. "I want her to be victorious."
President Donald Trump weighed in on the election and suggested the results were unexpected.
"Wow! Big Trump Hater Congressman Joe Crowley, who many expected was going to take Nancy Pelosi's place, just LOST his primary election," Trump said on Twitter. "In other words, he's out! That is a big one that nobody saw happening."
"Perhaps he should have been nicer, and more respectful, to his President," Trump added.
Republican candidate Anthony Pappas is running unopposed.