According to one source knowledgeable about NYC politics, the Democratic establishment hates Ocasio-Cortez but also wants to cash in on her popularity. Seems like many Democrats in Washington are in a similar conundrum. Could Democrats in both New York City and Washington decide she does more harm than good? It’s not impossible. Look at Max Rose who won New York’s traditionally-Republican 11th district last year. He already has two young, popular Republicans ready to take his seat, and the last thing he wants is to be representing a socialist-dominated party in Staten Island and South Brooklyn where socialism is still frowned upon.

It’s important to remember that Ocasio-Cortez came out of nowhere to beat Joe Crowley. It was a surprise attack that the city’s Democrats never thought could work. But then it did. In 2020, there will be no element of surprise, she will be the one with the target on her back. And there are potential challengers. New York City Council Deputy Leader Jimmy Van Bramer represents Long Island City, where Amazon had planned to build. He is a deeply connected politician who is known to have some degree of ambition. “Ocasio-Cortez Drove Away 25,000 Jobs” isn’t a bad campaign slogan.