Ocasio-Cortez on why young people need to run for Congress

Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is calling for more young people to run for Congress, saying it’s key for the body to “represent the American people.”

“Congress is supposed to represent the American people. One of the largest electorates right now are millennials and young people,” Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman to be elected to Congress, said in a new interview with Elle.

“Frankly, if we’re not in the halls of Congress, then Congress isn’t working, which is why we need way more young people in office,” she added.

{mosads}The 29-year-old Democratic socialist stunned the political world with a primary upset against longtime Democrat Joe Crowley (N.Y.), shooting to nationwide stardom.

She has already made headlines with her calls for a Green New Deal, joining activists to protest outside House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) office.

Ocasio-Cortez has vowed to champion a number of progressive issues, and has called for increased pay for House interns and staffers. She confirmed this week that she will pay her interns at least $15 an hours.

Her social media savvy has also attracted the attention of young people nationwide — the incoming lawmaker has been using her Instagram and Twitter to offer a “behind-the-scenes” look at her first days on the Hill.