Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is drawing scrutiny after launching a fundraising push for a Democrat whose record clashes sharply with progressive orthodoxy.
The New York socialist lawmaker urged supporters to split donations between her own political movement and Alaska Senate candidate Mary Peltola.
In the fundraising appeal, Ocasio-Cortez framed Peltola as a champion of economic reform, citing promises to lower grocery prices and expand affordable housing.
What the appeal did not disclose is that Peltola holds pro-gun and pro-oil positions rarely embraced by Democrats aligned with the Squad.
Peltola’s campaign slogan centers on “fish, family, freedom,” and she was the only Democrat endorsed by the National Rifle Association during the 2024 election cycle.
The omission raised eyebrows among progressives, given Ocasio-Cortez’s long history of opposing gun rights groups and fossil fuel development.
Peltola previously represented Alaska’s lone House seat after winning a 2022 special election before losing re-election in 2024 to Republican Nick Begich.
During her time in Congress, she openly supported Arctic drilling and pressed the Biden administration to approve ConocoPhillips’ Willow Project.
The massive oil project carried an estimated price tag of $8 billion and was heavily criticized by environmental activists.
Despite that record, Ocasio-Cortez’s fundraising page claimed both campaigns take zero corporate money, a statement complicated by outside spending.
Oil-linked super PACs connected to Chevron and ConocoPhillips spent more than $300,000 backing Peltola during her last campaign.
The endorsement marks a notable shift for Ocasio-Cortez, who has typically backed fellow Squad members and other left-wing candidates.
Political analysts say the move reflects a broader strategic pivot rather than ideological alignment, according to the New York Post.
Observers argue Ocasio-Cortez is signaling she can prioritize electability and party control over rigid progressive purity.
Florida State University political scientist Lonna Atkeson said the endorsement mirrors a leadership-focused approach associated with Democratic leadership figures.
Atkeson suggested Ocasio-Cortez is positioning herself as someone who asks which candidates can win statewide races.
The support for Peltola has fueled speculation about Ocasio-Cortez’s own ambitions beyond the House of Representatives.
Analysts believe a future Senate run is more likely than a presidential bid, given the need to appeal to moderate Democrats.
A Senate campaign would require winning voters far outside Ocasio-Cortez’s deep-blue congressional district.
Attention has also turned to Senator Chuck Schumer, who raised relatively modest funds last year and could face pressure ahead of 2028.
Some Democrats privately question Schumer’s leadership and see an opening for a younger challenger with national fundraising power.
Backing Peltola, who is polling narrowly ahead of Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan (R), may help Ocasio-Cortez build alliances.
