Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Childhood Nickname Resurfaces Amid Claims of Bronx Upbringing
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known affectionately as “Sandy” during her time growing up in Westchester County, has come under scrutiny for her claims of being a “Bronx girl.” Despite her current image as a part of the far-left “Squad,” Ocasio-Cortez’s childhood in Yorktown Heights paints a different picture.
Former high school teacher Michael Blueglass reminisced about Ocasio-Cortez’s time as a top-notch student in Yorktown Heights, praising her intelligence and presentation skills. Despite her success in the suburbs, Ocasio-Cortez has repeatedly emphasized her Bronx roots.
While Ocasio-Cortez has been vocal about her Bronx upbringing, critics have pointed out that she spent the majority of her childhood in Westchester County. State Assemblyman Matt Slater recalled how most of his constituents remember her as “Sandy Cortez” from Yorktown Heights, suggesting that Ocasio-Cortez is trying to conceal her suburban background.
Ocasio-Cortez, who was born in the Bronx but moved to Yorktown at a young age, has defended her upbringing, highlighting the influence of growing up between the two locations on her views on inequality.
Despite the controversy surrounding her claims of Bronx roots, Ocasio-Cortez remains steadfast in her pride for her upbringing and the experiences that shaped her political beliefs.