AOC’s Socialist Past Comes Back Into Focus

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined the Democratic Socialists of America in 2018 on a one-year membership. City & State New York reports that card expired in 2019 and was not renewed for seven years.

DSA later told members she is again “a member in good standing,” having “recently rejoined in August 2026.”

The group said national leaders “recently noticed” the 2019 lapse. AOC’s office declined to comment.

At the time she first joined, annual dues were $60 and had to be renewed by hand. DSA has since moved to auto-renewal and monthly dues.

The lapse surfaced after an ABC interview in which AOC said she belonged only to the New York City chapter, not the national organization. DSA members noted that local chapter membership runs through national dues.

Since 2024 she has been endorsed by NYC-DSA, not by national DSA.

DSA rarely comments on individual membership. It said it did so because of 2028 talk: “With chapters and members campaigning to draft Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a potential Presidential Primary candidate, we believe that the status of her membership is essential information for members to have in their deliberations and discussions.”

Los Angeles and Atlanta chapters have already passed resolutions urging her to run. NYC-DSA is expected to take up a similar measure in November.

NYC-DSA leaders have met privately with her. The chapter posted a photo with AOC and the caption “Democratic socialism is the future.”