Ocasio-Cortez's Surprise Primary Victory Included A Campaign Cash Boom

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez entered New York's 14th Congresional District primary as a long-shot candidate, likely to be outspent by a member of the Democratic party's leadership, who also served as a local political boss.

But her upset victory last month has turned her into a fundraising powerhouse — for her campaign, and for similar-minded progressives around the country.

Ocasio-Cortez raised $99,408 in the four days between her primary victory last month and the close of the campaign finance reporting period, federal records show. That amount was 11 percent of the $876,408 Ocasio-Cortez has raised since announcing she would challenge 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley last year. Ocasio-Cortez reported $268,621 in the bank at the end of June.

Ocasio-Cortez has become a national symbol for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party — and campaign finance reports reflect that. About 70 percent of her reported post-primary donations came from outside of New York.

Most of Ocasio-Cortez’ contributions were small, less than $200.

And country's newest political superstar has been spreading the wealth, using her newfound notoriety to support candidates in Delaware, Kansas, Michigan and elsewhere. Those campaigns say they've seen a surge in donors and social media followers after receiving Ocasio-Cortez' seal of approval.