According to Axios, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has found a winning formula for backing progressive congressional candidates. In just the past month, four candidates she endorsed have won their primaries — across California, Pennsylvania, Montana, and New Jersey. But her selective strategy is creating friction on the left. Unlike Bernie Sanders, who broadly endorses progressives nationwide, AOC is choosing her spots carefully, avoiding high-profile Senate races and declining to back anti-establishment candidates challenging sitting Democratic House members. Some progressives see this as overcautious; others argue she's being strategically disciplined, focusing on races where her endorsement can move the needle and where candidates have proven field strength. As she positions herself for a potential 2028 presidential run, AOC's approach is clearly working — though it's left some allies wishing she'd take bigger risks.

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