Constituents in Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s district in Queens and the Bronx are voicing growing frustration over the congresswoman focusing more on national politics and her public image than local needs within her own district.
According to a report by the New York Post, both of Ocasio-Cortez’s district offices appear to have limited accessibility. Her Bronx office is reportedly open just once a week, while her Queens office is closed on Fridays. Constituents who attempt to reach the offices by phone say calls go unanswered, and many are told they must schedule an appointment.
Meanwhile, public town hall events that were once held monthly are being held less frequently. In some cases, Ocasio-Cortez does not attend in person and instead phones in. Last week, at a town hall in Jackson Heights, she appeared in a packed auditorium but reportedly stayed for less than an hour, taking only six questions before leaving.
“This woman has done nothing for the community she was once again elected to serve,” said Queens resident Lauro Vazquez, according to The New York Post. Vazquez also voiced the growing concern that Ocasio-Cortez has made her district an afterthought as she sets her sights on higher office.
Elmhurst Republican City Council candidate Ramses Frias also chimed in on Ocasio-Cortez, referring to her as an “absentee landlord” and accusing her of not being connected to the issues facing working-class constituents.
“She’s flying around on private jets, talking about the oligarchy, which is not really resonating with the regular guy – the person going shopping over here at the supermarket,” he said, sarcastically adding that the congresswoman is a “rock star.”
As Ocasio-Cortez has participated in the Fighting the Oligarchy tour alongside Senator Bernie Sanders nationwide, there is a growing belief that she could be eyeing a Senate seat from New York or even the presidency. A poll conducted last month by Data for Progress found that Ocasio-Cortez is leading Senator Chuck Schumer by double digits in a head-to-head poll for the 2028 New York primary, beating the incumbent 55 percent to 36 percent.
