Alexandria experienced firsthand how difficult it is for working-class, grassroots candidates to break into politics and compete in a corrupt system where billionaires can buy elections. So she decided to launch Courage to Change in January 2020: a leadership PAC that supports candidates who refuse to bow to establishment pressure, who advocate ferociously for working-class families, and who have lived the same struggles as the people they seek to represent.
Our latest initiative is the Courage to Change Pledge: a tool to help voters elect a strong, progressive slate of city council candidates in New York City. Candidates were invited to submit a questionnaire to pledge their commitment to support policies that prioritize working-class New Yorkers and to stand up to established interests.
The candidates answered questions like whether or not they support reducing the annual NYPD budget and shifting those funds towards community-based support systems, for example, and other commitments that align with ethical fundraising, prioritizing workers, investing in 21st century infrastructure, championing environmental justice, and more. (You can view the whole questionnaire here!)
Our team went through every single response to see which candidates will “walk-the-walk” and help build a city that’s affordable, safe, and just for all. On Saturday at City Hall, we recognized 60 City Council candidates who received a perfect score on the questionnaire.
We decided to start here in New York City before the primary on June 22, but with your help, AOC can continue to lead these efforts and we can continue to uplift and elect progressive candidates across the country.
If you aren't able to make a donation today, we understand. There will be plenty of opportunities later on to support these candidates in other ways — and the most important thing is that you stay involved. Thank you for being part of this movement.
We’re so excited and hopeful about where we’re headed. More soon.
Team AOC
* PAC stands for Political Action Committee. PACs have been around since 1944 and exist for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates. Too often, PACs are used by corporations and dark money groups to buy off politicians. Unlike super PACs that can take unlimited money from billionaires, Courage to Change is a leadership PAC that runs via small-dollar donations.
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Email us: [email protected]
This email was sent to [email protected]. Email is the most important way we keep in touch with people like you, so thank you for reading to the end. Small donors like you keep us going. To contribute via check, please address to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress, PO Box 680080, Corona, NY 11368.
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