Nov 28, 2018 - Politics & Policy

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has as much social media clout as her fellow freshman Democrats, combined

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Capitol in Washington. Photo: Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has as many Twitter followers as the other incoming 60 Democratic freshman House members combined, according to numbers compiled by Elizabeth Hale at Mehlman Castagnetti Rosen & Thomas, a lobbying firm.

Why it matters: In the next Congress, with so many young members, having a strong digital presence could be more important than seniority. Ocasio-Cortez in particular has used Twitter (1.38 million followers) and Instagram (just under 1 million followers) to connect people around the country, promote policy platforms and troll Republicans before she's even started her official job.

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