The rise of Assemblywoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) in New York's 14th district was part of a historic moment when 100 women were elected to Congress, the most in history; AOC helped open the door, and now former MSNBC anchor Michelle Caruso- Cabrera hopes to run against AOC for her seat representing the Bronx and Queens in the June 23 Democratic primary and walk through that door. Here is what MCC (as she is commonly known) says she will bring to the race (and possibly the House of Representatives) Marie Claire When did you start thinking about running for political office?" like many of the congressmen elected in 2018, has it been in the back of your mind since the 2016 election?

Michelle Caruso-Cabrera: I was still working in journalism at the time of the 2016 election, so I wasn't thinking in that sense. The first seeds were planted when Amazon abandoned its headquarters in the Bronx in early 2019. The median income in New York's 14th borough, which includes the Bronx and Queens, is $60,000 a year; the median income in neighboring Manhattan is $110,000. I ran for Congress because I want to be a Congressman who will bring better jobs to this district.

MC: You cite your grandparents and their immigrant experiences as inspiration. How does your grandparents' immigration story to New York play into the race for you?

MCC: People from the Bronx and Queens remind me of my grandparents. When my grandmother and grandfather first arrived from Italy and Cuba, they both worked in the unregulated and dangerous meat processing industry. Eventually, my grandmother also worked as a waitress in a donut shop for tips in addition to her salary. Two generations later, her granddaughter had a successful career and was able to run for Congress. That is the American dream.

MC: This race started with as many as 15 people from both the Democratic and Republican parties running for office. Why do you think this race is so crowded?

MCC: The buzz is because the AOC is part of this huge group of freshman senators. Before my career in journalism, I worked at Pizza Hut and in landscaping. With all that experience under my belt, I am ready for a new challenge. Because I have seen and heard the people who live in this district and I know what they want. The great thing about democracy is that anyone can enter. You don't need a degree, you just need to inspire people with your ideas.

MC: What ideas in particular do you share with NY-14 residents?

MCC: Three main things for me are more jobs, more schools, and safer streets. First, I want to reach out to businesses that want to come to Queens and the Bronx. If they want to start a business here, I would love to help. Besides that, parents really want more good schools and for their children to be able to choose which schools they attend. And to keep our city safe, we need criminal justice reform that does not target minorities. Many minorities end up in jail because they cannot afford bail for non-violent crimes. Of course, violent people should not be allowed back on the streets, but reasonable bail reform is needed.

MC: Can you give us a sneak peek at some of the issues you are focusing on in Congress?

MCC: When I become a legislator, I will focus on ways to reduce health care costs. People shouldn't have to worry about the cost of prescriptions to stay healthy. Another really important issue is tax policy. Congress voted to eliminate the deduction for state and local income taxes, so if you own a home in this district, it suddenly becomes impossibly expensive. I would like to introduce legislation to reinstate the deduction for these homeowners. [I am putting this race and the issues that matter to the people of the Bronx and Queens first. My career has taught me to listen first and foremost. Being a journalist is about asking questions and listening to the answers. I want to listen to what the people of the 14th borough of New York want. Most importantly, they want someone who will listen to their concerns. My door is always open.

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