Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing criticism from her Democratic primary challenger, Marty Dolan, who claims she has neglected the needs of her New York district in pursuit of personal fame.
Just The News reported that Dolan, an experienced strategist and small business advocate, has focused his campaign on issues such as crime, illegal immigration, and inflation, as he challenges Ocasio-Cortez in the June 25 primary.
Dolan has accused Ocasio-Cortez of being largely absent from her New York district. He has argued that she prioritizes activities that boost her public profile over addressing the issues facing her constituents.
These allegations were presented on a recent episode of the "Just the News, No Noise" TV show, where Dolan stated, "AOC is absent on community. She's not around. She's absent on crime. She's not around. She's off doing things that are making her famous."
According to Dolan, residents of New York's 14th district are increasingly concerned about crime, illegal immigration, and rising inflation. He pointed to a spate of recent crimes to illustrate his point. "We've had some terrible crime in the last couple of weeks," Dolan said.
"We had two policemen shot at point-blank range. We've had two 13-year-olds attacked with a machete in a park." This violent trend continued with the arrest of an Ecuadorian illegal alien accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in Queens' Kissena Park.
Dolan's campaign has also taken aim at the current economic situation, attributing rampant inflation to what he describes as "runaway social programs."
He argued that these programs, which he believes are under Ocasio-Cortez's influence, are creating a massive government deficit that further inflames economic instability.
The plight of small businesses in New York is a focal point of Dolan's campaign. Having received an endorsement from a conservative small business group, Dolan highlights how these enterprises are struggling under the current conditions.
This group has actively funded efforts against Ocasio-Cortez's re-election, reportedly spending around $100,000 on anti-AOC campaigning, including prominent billboards in Times Square.
One of these billboards read, "Hey AOC! Time to pack it up. Vote Democrat Martin Dolan now!" Another billboard accused Ocasio-Cortez of neglecting issues like rising crime and illegal immigration chaos. Dolan's slogan reflects his belief that his platform addresses what he sees as AOC's areas of negligence.
In response, Ocasio-Cortez took to the social media platform, X, to defend her time in Congress. She countered Dolan's accusations by emphasizing her consistent rejection of corporate lobbyist donations. "Billionaires and big money continue to pour tens of millions of dollars against me cycle after cycle," she wrote. "Yet we win. Why? Because in my entire time in Congress, I refuse to take a dime from corporate lobbyists."
Dolan's campaign, which advocates for policial matters such as refunding the police, immigration and asylum reform, and job creation, continues to drive his challenge to Ocasio-Cortez's seat. He has positioned himself as a moderate alternative to the more radical approach that he attributes to Ocasio-Cortez.
Dolan stated, "I think people just had enough of radicalism. They're just completely fed up with it." This anti-radical stance parallels his broader arguments regarding the community's needs, underscoring his belief that a shift away from radicalism is necessary for effective governance.
Advocating for a more localized and pragmatic approach, Dolan promises to prioritize community safety and economic resilience. His plan involves substantial investment in local infrastructure, which he claims will not only improve safety but also create jobs that do not require a college degree. This blue-collar job creation is a cornerstone of Dolan’s strategy, aiming to revitalize the economic landscape of the 14th district.
The ongoing narrative of crime within the district is of considerable concern to Dolan. Recent violent events have given his campaign platform a sense of urgency. With local law enforcement strained and community trust dwindling, Dolan vows to refund the police and implement stronger community policing policies.
In the weeks leading up to the June 25 primary, this contested race has drawn significant attention, with both candidates presenting starkly different visions for New York's 14th district. As the election approaches, voters will have to decide between Ocasio-Cortez’s broader, social-focused agenda and Dolan's community-centric, pragmatic approach.
This primary race epitomizes the growing tensions between progressive and moderate factions within the Democratic party.
Marty Dolan has criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for allegedly neglecting her district in favor of personal fame.
As Dolan champions issues like local crime, illegal immigration, and inflation, Ocasio-Cortez defends her Congressional record and her stance against accepting corporate money. With Dolan advocating for a return to community focus and pragmatic politics, the outcome of this primary will be determined by the voters of New York's 14th district who must weigh these competing visions for their future.
