Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), known for her progressive policies and polarizing presence, found herself addressing swirling rumors of pregnancy this week.
“People keep asking me if I’m pregnant,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “Actually, a member—a Republican—came to me on the floor this week and asked me if I was pregnant.” She quipped, “I’m not pregnant, guys. I just had a lot of food at Thanksgiving. Okay? It happens.”
While the rumors generated buzz, they came at a time of political tension for Ocasio-Cortez. Last week, she lost her bid to become the top Democrat on the powerful House Oversight Committee. In a vote by the House Democrats’ Steering and Policy Committee, centrist Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) defeated Ocasio-Cortez 34 to 27.
The loss highlighted a deeper rift within the Democratic Party. The New Democrat Coalition, a group of centrist lawmakers, threw its weight behind Connolly, praising his experience and steady leadership. “Rep. Connolly is prepared to expertly lead the committee in defending our Democratic priorities and standing up to the Trump administration’s extremist actions,” the coalition said in a statement.
Connolly, a 16-year veteran of the committee, received backing from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who reportedly lobbied against Ocasio-Cortez’s bid. According to Punchbowl News, Pelosi made calls on Connolly’s behalf, signaling her clear preference.
Ocasio-Cortez, however, framed her campaign as a chance to challenge inequality and economic instability. In a letter to colleagues, she wrote, “The responsibility of leading Democrats on the House Oversight Committee during Donald Trump’s second term in the White House is a profound and consequential one.”
The broader Democratic caucus must still vote to confirm Connolly’s selection, but Ocasio-Cortez’s loss underscores the challenges faced by progressive lawmakers in navigating party politics.
Despite setbacks, AOC remains a central figure in the political landscape—whether addressing policy or deflecting personal rumors.
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A LOT OF FOOD ON THANKSGIVING!? That’s a lot of food, a whole lot!