Tour Overview

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is set to participate in five events during Senator Bernie Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” tour this week, a continuation of initiatives aimed at addressing economic disparity and advocating for working-class Americans. The tour commenced in the Midwest last month, attracting thousands of attendees in cities such as Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Event Details

On Thursday, March 20, Ocasio-Cortez will join Sanders and Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) for a scheduled event at the East Las Vegas Community Center, starting at 1:30 PM local time. The agenda includes a later stop at Arizona State University in Tempe at 6:00 PM.

The following day, both politicians will meet constituents at two locations: the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley at 1:00 PM and Civic Center Park in Denver at 5:00 PM. The tour will conclude on Saturday with a joint appearance alongside Greg Casar (D-Texas) at 11:30 AM at Catalina High School in Tucson, Arizona.

Addressing Economic Inequality

In a statement, Sanders emphasized the growing gap between the wealthy and the working class: “Today, the oligarchs and the billionaire class are getting richer and richer and have more and more power,” he remarked. “Meanwhile, 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and most of our people are struggling to pay for healthcare, childcare, and housing. This country belongs to all of us, not just the few. We must fight back.”

Ocasio-Cortez expressed solidarity with constituents, stating, “While Republicans try to gut Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, people across the country are standing up against these attacks on the working class. They deserve representation that is willing to stand with them. I look forward to hitting the road with Sen. Sanders.”

Political Landscape Ahead of Tour

The recent Senate actions have brought new discussions into focus for the tour. A bipartisan stopgap measure was advanced with the support of 10 Senate Democrats, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Critics warn that this legislation could further empower figures like former President Donald Trump.

These developments have led to calls for Schumer’s resignation as Senate minority leader and sparked speculation about a potential primary challenge from Ocasio-Cortez in the 2028 election cycle.

Calls for Grassroots Mobilization

Sanders shared his observations from the tour thus far, noting a clear rejection of oligarchy and authoritarianism among attendees. He affirmed, “We need progressives to run for office at all levels. I am talking about school boards, city councils, state legislatures, and the races that are not in the news but make a tremendous difference in local communities.”

He stressed the urgency for community building, declaring, “We need to come together as one,” urging citizens to mobilize and engage with their congressional representatives.