Ocasio-Cortez endorses Bowman over incumbent Engel

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed Jamaal Bowman in his primary challenge against longtime Democratic incumbent Rep. Eliot Engel in New York's 16th congressional district — the latest signal that Engel may be in danger of losing a seat he has held since 1989.

"This moment requires renewed and revitalized leadership across the country AND at the ballot box," Ocasio-Cortez said in a

Twitter

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Bowman, a public school principal who has been gaining momentum in the race, has leveled many of the same criticisms against Engel that Ocasio-Cortez did in her own upset win against Joe Crowley in 2018: that he's a Washington insider who's out of touch with his district.

Engel didn't help his image Tuesday when was overheard on a hot mic saying he sought press attention at a local event on the unrest over police brutality only because of his upcoming primary threat.

Bowman

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that he was grateful for the nod from the celebrated rookie representative.

"@AOC’s commitment to working people of all backgrounds, her engaged presence, and her commitment to a more responsive Democratic Party have inspired me immensely.

We’re building an amazing coalition to deliver change in #NY16."