Memphis, TN — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is drawing criticism over remarks made Friday during a Get Out the Vote rally for Democratic congressional candidate Justin Pearson, where she referenced socialism while discussing Jesus and called on supporters from the North to mobilize in the South.
Speaking to supporters in Memphis, Ocasio-Cortez said, “There’s this conversation about Jesus being a socialist,” while discussing faith and politics. She also urged Democrats to become more engaged in Southern elections, saying, “It is time for the North to roll up to the South. We will not be chased out of places anymore, brothers and sisters. It is going to take all of us together rejecting the separation.”
She also said that her political views weren’t just forged by reading a book by Marx, but by “What happened in Memphis.”
Rally focused on Justin Pearson’s campaign
The comments came during a campaign event supporting Pearson’s bid to represent Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District.
Video of the rally circulated widely on social media following the event, prompting criticism from conservative commentators and political opponents over both statements.
Critics question rhetoric
Critics argued that comparing Jesus to socialism mischaracterizes Christian teachings and said the “North roll up to the South” remark could deepen political divisions at a time of heightened polarization.
Supporters of Ocasio-Cortez have said her comments about the North reflected a call for Democratic volunteers and activists to support campaigns in Southern states rather than a call for confrontation. Her reference to Jesus and socialism echoed a broader political and theological debate that has surfaced periodically in discussions about Christian teachings on poverty, wealth, and social welfare.
As of Saturday, Ocasio-Cortez had not publicly responded to the criticism surrounding her remarks.
