Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expected to endorse Bernie Sanders for president

Vermont senator teases major rally at largest presidential primary in American history

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will officially endorse Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination at an event in New York on Saturday.

Mr Sanders deputy communications director Sarah Ford confirmed the news on Tuesday shortly after the latest Democratic debates.

The endorsement is a major boon for the 78-year-old Vermont senator, who has faced questions over his health since suffering a heart attack two weeks ago.

The 30-year-old Ms Ocasio-Cortez is a progressive star who notched an upset win in her 2018 primary.

Both Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and Mr Sanders have coveted her endorsement.

Mr Sanders hinted at her backing during Tuesday’s Democratic debate in response to a question about his age, saying his skeptics should attend his Saturday rally featuring a “surprise guest.”

The news was first reported by The Washington Post.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez represents part of Queens and the Bronx in a majority Democratic district. She successfully unseated one of the most powerful Democrats in Washington, 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley, and has since spearheaded nationwide calls that are in-line with Mr Sanders' views, from the Green New Deal to drastically reducing student loan debt.

The two have also co-sponsored legislation including a bill that would cap the maximum interest rates on credit cards across the country.

Mr Sanders is the oldest candidate at 78. He declined to answer when asked how he would reassure Americans of his good health, saying only that he would run a “vigorous campaign all over this country.”

Seventy-six-year-old Mr Biden argued that his experience and wisdom are assets because “I know what has to be done” as president. He also promised to release his medical records before the first nominating contest in Iowa in February.

And Ms Warren, who’s 70-years-old, promised to outwork, out-organise and outlast anyone, including the Republicans.

Despite Ms Warren and Ms Ocasio-Cortez seemingly sharing a close relationship as well, it seems the progressive newcomer is ready to throw her support behind Mr Sanders and officially enter her influence into the 2020 election.

Additional reporting by Associated Press