Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been making headlines since her unlikely win in the Democratic primary against the incumbent Democrat congressman. Now, having also won the congressional election during the US midterms, Alexandria is facing a problem that is much closer to home for many of us: she can’t afford rent.
Ice Cube in the role of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Specifically, she can’t afford rent in the city of Washington DC, which is conveniently where her new job starts in January 2019.
Ocasio-Cortez recently told The New York Times that she won’t be able to afford rent in DC until her first congressional paycheque arrives, which puts a dent in plans to set up her office and hire staffers. Before running for Congress, Alexandria was a community activist who also waited tables on the side to supplement her income.
Many Twitter users have already pointed out that this is not only the most Millennial problem ever but also another sign that the US political system is incredibly divorced from the needs of its constituents.
@Ocasio2018 not being able to afford #DC rent is the most millennial thing ever and I honestly vibe with it! Also goes to show how divorced the system/most elected officials are from normal people that a normal person can't readily begin to serve without starting out wealthy.
— Will Dawson (@Wil_Im_Not) November 9, 2018
Ocasio has also tweeted saying that this is another example of how “little things” in the US democratic system aren’t designed for the working class.
There are many little ways in which our electoral system isn’t even designed (nor prepared) for working-class people to lead.
This is one of them (don’t worry btw – we’re working it out!)
⬇️ https://t.co/PEQ5ccSDSO— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 8, 2018
Alexandria won the 14th congressional district of New York, running on a progressive Democratic platform that focused on wealth inequality, housing and immigration.
Which makes this news all the more pertinent to the work she hopes to do once she takes up her office on Capitol Hill.