AOC Challenger Michelle Caruso-Cabrera Raises Mammoth $1 Million to Unseat Squad Leader

AOC is a divisive figure not only for Republicans, but even among Democrats.

She has battled against Pelosi, claiming that the Speaker of the House is not progressive enough.

If AOC had her way, the Democrat party would look more socialist than it does today.

There are even some instances where AOC criticized Bernie Sanders, a self-described Democratic socialist, of being too conservative.

The New York Postconfirms that Michelle Caruso-Cabrera's $1 million fundraising haul will put AOC's re-election bid into play:

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez challenger Michelle Caruso-Cabrera has raised $1 million in her bid to topple the lefty superstar in the June 23 Democratic primary, her campaign said Wednesday.

Caruso-Cabrera, the former veteran CNBC anchor, will report having $800,00 in cash on hand — minus expenses paid — when she officially files her financial disclosures with the Federal Elections Commission.

The financial report covers the first quarter of 2020 — Jan. 1-March 31 — and the report is due April. 15.

“The outpouring of support has been amazing. Before Coronavirus people were stopping me on the street showing their excitement. And from the beginning the countless handwritten letters from near and far s from across the country have been so moving,” said Caruso-Cabrera said.

“The national and local messages are clear: I will unite. AOC’s reign of division will end. This early financial and political support shows unstoppable momentum. As they say in New York, ‘you ain’t seen nothing yet.’ “

Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign declined to say Wednesday how much she has raised in the past three months or how much she has in her campaign treasury.

A spokesman declined comment on Caruso-Cabrera’s fundraising numbers.

Assuming no complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the primary election in New York will be held on June 23.

While AOC is an iconic figure for her divisive and radical rhetoric, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera is attempting to brand herself as a uniting figure.

Caruso-Cabrera's experience and connections from CNBC will also likely help her net more high profile endorsements.

Many are worried that AOC will bring the Democratic party further to the left.

Just as Bernie Sander's presence in the Democratic primaries resulted in the normalization of universal healthcare, there is fear that AOC will radicalize the Democratic party.

Perhaps this is why major institutions like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have endorsed her primary challenger.

Politico has more details on the game-changing endorsement of Michelle Caruso-Cabrera:

The traditionally conservative U.S. Chamber of Commerce is planning to endorse a primary challenger to progressive icon Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a move that represents a dramatic intervention in a Democratic race.

The influential organization typically supports Republican candidates who are closely aligned with the business community. But the Chamber has decided to help Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, a former CNBC anchor who is waging an underdog challenge to Ocasio-Cortez. The freshman New York City congresswoman is perhaps the most prominent liberal in the House.

A source familiar with the Chamber’s plans said the group will raise money for Caruso-Cabrera and mobilize the local Queens business community ahead of the June 23 primary. Caruso-Cabrera, who is attempting to tap into intense dislike of the incumbent among moderate Democrats, has already demonstrated an ability to raise money.

A person close to Caruso-Cabrera said she raised over $1 million during her first 47 days in the race, a substantial sum that is expected to be reflected in finance reports to be filed next week.

“Michelle is one of the most qualified and competent candidates we have met with this cycle. Her communication skills on jobs and growth will create a clear contrast with AOC,” said Scott Reed, the senior political strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We plan on using our national network to get her the financial resources to win this race.”

An Ocasio-Cortez spokesperson declined to comment.

Will the Chamber of Commerce's endorsement open the floodgates for Caruso-Cabrera?

That remains to be seen.

But one thing is for certain: a second term for AOC is all but guaranteed.

Looks like we will find out her political future on June 23, 2020!