Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez faces criticism for often calling herself a “Bronx girl,” with opponents pointing to her suburban upbringing in Yorktown, Westchester.
Born in the Bronx but moving to Yorktown at age five, she spent time in both places. Classmates knew her as “Sandy,” and teachers praised her intelligence and science achievements.
Critics argue she exaggerates her Bronx roots, with Republican Assemblyman Matt Slater highlighting her Yorktown background and sharing her yearbook photo.
Ocasio-Cortez responded on X, saying her mother worked as a house cleaner, she helped with jobs, and even bartered housework for tutoring.
She insists growing up between two worlds shaped her view of inequality.
For some, she’s still “Sandy” from Westchester; for others, she’s the Bronx firebrand, with the debate continuing to follow her career.
