Ocasio-Cortez Does Not Rule Out a Primary Challenge Against Schumer

Progressive star Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is keeping her options open when it comes to the future of per political career.

Speaking to Punchbowl News on Monday, the New York Congresswoman signaled that she has not yet decided whether she will mount a primary challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in 20202.

However, she said, “I’m a no bulls**t kind of person. I’m not playing coy or anything like that.”

“I’m still very much in a place where I’m trying to decide what is the most effective thing I can do to help our Congress, our process, and our country actually address the issues of climate change, health care, wage inequality, etc.,” she added.

Finally, she was asked if she believes Schumer has done a good job. She responded, “It’s a hard thing to say too. We’ve had to deal with a fascist president and Mitch McConnell.”

Ocasio-Cortez has previously said she believes it is time for new leadership in Congress, as IJR reported.

During an interview with The Intercept, she was asked if she believes it is time for Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to be replaced as Democrats’ leaders.

“I do think that we need new leadership in the Democratic Party,” she said.

However, she said that the “internal dynamics of the House” have “made it such that there’s very little option for succession.”

Additionally, she ruled out making a bid for the speaker’s gavel in the immediate future, “The House is extraordinarily complex, and I’m not ready. It can’t be me. I know that I couldn’t do that job.”

On Sunday, Pelosi narrowly secured her fourth term as House speaker, as IJR reported.