Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., reached across the aisle to congratulate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat, for becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress — a record that had previously been held by Stefanik.
“While of a different political party, congratulations to @Ocasio2018 on becoming the newest youngest women ever elected to Congress,” Stefanik tweeted Wednesday. “As Elizabeth Holtzman did to me, I proudly hand off that mantle to you. Work hard to encourage the next generation of women who follow!”
While of a different political party, congratulations to @Ocasio2018 on becoming the newest youngest women ever elected to Congress. As Elizabeth Holtzman did to me, I proudly hand off that mantle to you. Work hard to encourage the next generation of women who follow! ?
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) November 7, 2018
Stefanik was was elected in 2014 when she was 30, breaking a record set by former Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman, D-N.Y., who was elected when she was 31 in 1972.
Ocasio-Cortez, a 29-year-old self-proclaimed socialist, initially defeated incumbent Rep. Joe Crowley in June during the primary race. She then beat her Republican opponent Anthony Pappas Tuesday night and will represent New York’s 14th Congressional District in the next Congress.
Ocastio-Cortez ran on liberal positions such as “Medicare for all” and abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A record number of women will be serving in Congress next year.
