AOC Backer Endorses Insurgent In Queens, LI Congressional Race

QUEENS, NY — A grassroots organization that helped propel U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to an upset victory last year has endorsed another insurgent Congressional candidate.

Muslims For Progress, a grassroots coalition of Muslim Americans in and around New York City, announced its support Tuesday for Democratic candidate Melanie D'Arrigo, a progressive activist and political organizer from Long Island.

D'Arrigo is challenging Congressman Tom Suozzi in the 2020 primary for his seat representing northeastern Queens and Long Island's North Shore.

"We have seen first-hand Melanie’s deep empathy, ability to listen and learn, build connections and go to the frontlines to understand complex problems," the group's co-founder, Toufique Harun, said in a statement. "Her commitment to fighting institutional Islamophobia and uplifting the voices of marginalized communities like Muslims is noteworthy."

The group cited D'Arrigo's commitment to reforming the country's immigration system and her record of supporting Muslim community members in its endorsement.

"Muslim communities in the United States have endured unimaginable xenophobia for decades," D'Arrigo said. "Muslims For Progress is on the frontlines of combating this escalation in Queens and Long Island by fighting for justice for their community — and for all peoples. We need representatives in Washington who will do the same."

Suozzi — whose congressional district includes Little Neck, Whitestone, Glen Oaks and Floral Park and Long Island's North Shore — faces another Democratic primary challenger in attorney Michael Weinstock, according to the Queens Daily Eagle.

He also has a Republican challenger: Queens-born finance professional George Anthony Devolder Santos.

Muslims For Progress was one of the first groups to endorse Ocasio-Cortez in her primary challenge to then-Congressman Joseph Crowley, at that time the powerful leader of the Queens County Democratic Party.

Ocasio-Cortez built her campaign around the organizing that groups like Muslims For Progress were already doing, she told the Associated Press after her victory.