Democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Monday she’s ready to endorse candidates running for 51 City Council seats this year — but only if they back her leftist agenda.
Candidates who want a thumbs up from the progressive Bronx firebrand must fill out an extensive questionnaire that asks if they back slashing the NYPD’s budget by $3 billion, abolishing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and a law that would bar turning over illegal immigrants accused of crimes to federal authorities for deportation.
AOC’s Courage to Change’s PAC also asks whether they would accept campaign contributions from real estate and fossil fuel interests, law enforcement associations or PACs headed by “profit-making” entities.
“When voters see that a candidate is endorsed by Courage to Change, they know that candidate is people-funded, committed to the grassroots, and supports policies that prioritize working-class New Yorkers in the pursuit of social, economic and racial justice,” Ocasio-Cortez in a statement.
“The CTC endorsement is awarded to candidates who clearly demonstrate an unwavering commitment to change a political system that puts wealthy special interests ahead of working people. It means you have the courage to stand up to established interests, big money, and politics as usual no matter the Party. Eligible candidates don’t just talk — they have a proven movement-building track record of organizing to get the job done.”
One question asks: “Will you support a plan to bring down the annual NYPD budget by at least $3 billion and shift those funds towards community resources and programs, including: community accountability services; victim support and compensation funds; community schools; and prisoner rehabilitation and re-entry programs?”
One of Ocasio-Cortez’s biggest stances has been slashing the NYPD’s budget. BACKGRIDAOC has long complained of over-policing and abuses.
Her group asks whether candidates support dissolving the NYPD Vice Enforcement Division and redirecting those funds to community service programs at a time when prosecutors are de-emphasizing prostitution arrests.
Candidates, who must fill out the questionnaire by May 10, also get pressed on whether they will back a law that eliminates the ability of the police commissioner to reject recommended disciplinary sanctions made by the Civilian Complaint Review Board.
Other questions are on AOC’s pet issues, such as support of the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, and turning Rikers Island into a green energy storage hub after closing the jail complex.
Candidates are also asked about nitty-gritty city issues.
The PAC is interested whether a candidate supports increasing street vendor licenses, setting aside more funding for NYCHA repairs, removing toxic lead pipes and mold from school buildings, funding mass transit improvements and expanding bike lanes.
Candidates also are queried on whether they would vote in favor of zoning changes to include “mixed-income housing developments in an affluent neighborhood if the local council member was opposed?”
She also wants to know if a candidate supports legislation to convert distressed hotels into permanent housing, a proposal pitched by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
As for turning over illegal immigrants accused of committing crimes, the AOC group asks, “With regards to the list of offenses for which an undocumented immigrant can be turned over to federal agents by NYC law enforcement, will you support a law that removes all offenses from the list?”
AOC has been mum thus far on whether she will back a candidate in the hotly contested Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. The citywide and council primaries will be held June 22.






