Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 2018 primary victory over Joseph Crowley

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 2018 primary victory over Rep. Joseph Crowley was a significant political upset, propelled by an insurgent campaign. She defeated a powerful incumbent despite being heavily outspent, highlighting a shift in the Democratic Party's energy towards the progressive left. Her win also reflected increasing diversity in political candidacies. Ocasio-Cortez's background as a bartender and waitress before entering politics, along with her academic achievements and early activism, are part of her widely discussed public narrative.