Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has attributed her past support for the 'defund the police' movement to the rhetoric and policy discussions that emerged during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020, while also declining to endorse a Democratic socialist candidate in Wisconsin over differing priorities.
In an interview on ABC’s This Week on Sunday, Ocasio-Cortez stated that the 'Overton window'—a term describing the range of acceptable policy ideas—widened significantly during the pandemic, allowing for broader discussions on policing and public safety. She noted that high unemployment and societal upheaval during lockdowns created an environment where radical policy proposals were more openly considered.
Ocasio-Cortez has since distanced herself from her earlier anti-police rhetoric, emphasizing that crime policy discussions today are fundamentally different from those in 2020. Her comments follow a broader trend among progressive lawmakers who have recalibrated their positions on policing amid rising concerns about crime rates and public safety.
Ocasio-Cortez Declines to Endorse Wisconsin Socialist Candidate
During the same interview, Ocasio-Cortez declined to endorse Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist running in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor. Hong, who previously advocated for abolishing prisons and defunding police, has since revised her positions, now focusing on strengthening public safety rather than dismantling law enforcement.
Ocasio-Cortez cited her primary focus on winning back control of the U.S. House of Representatives as the reason for not endorsing Hong. She stated that her top priority is positioning Democrats to regain majorities in Congress, including the Senate, ahead of the 2024 elections.
Hong’s past statements—including calls to cancel Thanksgiving and abolish prisons—have been publicly disavowed by the candidate, who now frames her campaign around addressing root causes of crime rather than systemic dismantling of policing institutions.
Context: Shifting Progressive Views on Policing
Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks reflect a broader recalibration among progressive Democrats regarding law enforcement, particularly in the wake of rising violent crime rates and public backlash against 'defund the police' slogans following high-profile incidents of urban violence.
Wisconsin State Rep. Francesca Hong is among several progressive candidates who have softened or abandoned their earlier stances on policing. While she previously aligned with abolitionist rhetoric, her campaign now emphasizes preventive measures, community investment, and alternative public safety models.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) have also avoided endorsing Hong, aligning with Ocasio-Cortez’s strategic focus on congressional races rather than gubernatorial contests.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Evolving Stance on Crime Policy
Ocasio-Cortez’s comments on police reform and crime policy mark a significant shift from her earlier advocacy for defunding law enforcement. In 2020, she amplified calls to reallocate police budgets amid nationwide protests over George Floyd’s murder and other high-profile police-involved deaths.
She now argues that the political and economic climate of 2020 necessitated bold policy experiments, but that today’s crime discussions require different solutions. Her remarks suggest a nuanced evolution in progressive approaches to public safety, balancing social justice concerns with pragmatic governance.
Political Implications and Future Considerations
The reassessment of 'defund the police' rhetoric by prominent progressives could have lasting effects on Democratic Party strategy, particularly in tight electoral races where crime and public safety are key voter concerns.
Ocasio-Cortez’s focus on congressional races over state-level endorsements may indicate a strategic pivot within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, prioritizing federal legislative battles over localized campaigns.
Meanwhile, candidates like Hong face the challenge of reconciling past statements with current policy positions, navigating a political landscape where public opinion on policing has grown more conservative since 2020.