Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Is AOC running for president? Why the popular congresswoman isn't on the Democratic debate stage

Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez's age is an issue

Clark Mindock
Miami
Wednesday 26 June 2019 21:44 EDT
Comments
Who are the Democrat candidates running for US president in 2020?

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

In the past year, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has skyrocketed to political fame in America as a progressive firebrand who advocates on behalf of workers, the environment, people of colour, and for universal healthcare.

With more than two dozen Democrats running for president, many of them unknown to the vast majority of the United States, the question has popped up -- why isn't she on the debate stage in Miami?

Well, there are a couple reasons why the New York Democrat may not be throwing her hat into the overcrowded ring: She says she doesn't want it, literally just got into Congress, and her age happens to be an issue.

The first two reasons aside, Ms Ocasio-Cortez's youth is the biggest obstacle to her taking on Donald Trump in 2020.

That's because the US Constitution sets the minimum age requirement at 35-years-old. Ms Ocasio-Cortez, at the present moment, is only 29-years-old.

It brings her the distinction of being the youngest woman to ever serve in Congress. But, she has to wait six years if she hopes to make a run for the Oval Office.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in