Democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez faces widespread criticism after stating that the U.S. Senate was founded on racist Jim Crow laws during a discussion about the Democratic Socialists of America’s proposal to dissolve the chamber.
The congresswoman, when asked about the radical platform calling for the dissolution of the Senate as it was formulated by the founders, clarified she did not support the policy but criticized elements of the institution that “were founded on Jim Crow.” She emphasized her opposition to the filibuster, stating: “I don’t support the elements of this institution that we know… were founded on, you know, Jim Crow.”
This claim has been widely debunked by historians and political figures. The U.S. Senate was established under the Constitution in 1789—more than a century before Jim Crow laws emerged in the late 19th century to perpetuate racial oppression against former slaves. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas called the remark “what happens when you don’t teach basic U.S. history,” while Senator Mike Lee of Utah noted that the Senate predates Jim Crow entirely, having been created by constitutional frameworks long before racial segregation legislation.
Entrepreneur Tony Seruga highlighted the factual inaccuracy and a broader pattern of interpreting American institutions through a racial lens, stating: “She’s off by an entire century and a completely different era of American history.” Republican congressional candidate Raven Harrison echoed similar concerns, calling the claim “genuinely impressive” in its historical misrepresentation.
Some have suggested Ocasio-Cortez may have been referencing the filibuster—a procedural rule first used in congressional debates as early as 1853—rather than the Senate’s founding principles. The Democratic Socialists of America, which has gained prominence after recent electoral victories against establishment Democrats in primary elections, faces increasing scrutiny over its policy proposals.
