A shocking upset in Queens.
Longtime Democratic Congressman Joe Crowley has lost his primary to 28-year-old political newcomer Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent Queens and the Bronx. I am proud of the race we ran and, more importantly, proud of all of the work we’ve done to advance this community,” Crowley said on Twitter.
The congressman offered his support to Ocasio-Cortez, who worked on the 2016 presidential campaign of Bernie Sanders.
“I look forward to working towards a takeback of the House on a strong platform of economic, social and racial justice for working class New Yorkers & Americans,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
She won 57 percent of the vote, easily defeating Crowley who won the support of 43 percent of voters.
President Trump reacted to the news on Twitter.
“Wow! Big Trump Hater Congressman Joe Crowley, who many expected was going to take Nancy Pelosi’s place, just LOST his primary election. In other words, he’s out! That is a big one that nobody saw happening. Perhaps he should have been nicer, and more respectful, to his President!” Trump tweeted.
The president also congratulated Staten Island Congressman Dan Donovan, who survived a Republican primary against former Congressman Michael Grimm.
“You showed great courage in a tough race! New York, and my many friends on Staten Island, have elected someone they have always been very proud of,” Trump said.
Donovan defeated Grimm by a margin of 64 to 36 percent. After a bitter campaign, Grimm urged his supporters to rally behind Donovan.
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