Constituents Discover ActBlue Link Sends Contributions To “AOC for Congress” Instead Of Holiday Assistance
Wednesday, November 26, 2026, 8:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,
BRONX, NY.- Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), the self-described democratic socialist and so called Bronx girl, who has built a national profile on calls for economic justice, is facing new criticism after her latest fundraising appeal for “Thanksgiving turkeys for families in need” was found to redirect donors to her campaign fundraising page rather than a local charity or community support initiative.
According to multiple recipients of the email sent over the past two weeks, the message from the congresswoman urged supporters to “give what you can” to help ensure that struggling families in her district could enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. The email prominently framed the effort as a community support drive, portraying the appeal as a charitable outreach rooted in her stated commitment to lifting up low-income households.
But when donors clicked the link provided in the solicitation, they were redirected not to a community organization, food pantry, or verified charitable page, but to ActBlue, the central fundraising platform for Democratic candidates. The landing page included the standard legal disclaimer stating that contributions made through the link are processed “for AOC for Congress,” identifying the donations as political contributions, not charitable ones.
Another Misleading Ploy By Ocasio-Cortez
The discovery prompted immediate pushback from some constituents and observers who called the pitch “misleading,” “manipulative,” and yet another example of what critics describe as Ocasio-Cortez’s pattern of blurring the lines between activism, self-promotion, and campaign fundraising.
“It’s one thing to ask for campaign donations,” said one Bronx resident who received the email and shared the link with Englebrook Independent News. “But it’s something else entirely to imply you’re helping families put food on the table, only to funnel that money straight into your campaign. That crosses a line.”
Political ethics observers note that while the ActBlue page includes federally required disclosures, candidates are responsible for ensuring their solicitations accurately represent the purpose of donations. Misleading appeals, even if technically legal, can erode public trust, particularly when framed as charitable acts for the needy.
Ocasio-Cortez has faced similar criticism in past cycles when promoting “mutual aid” projects that were later revealed to be intertwined with political organizing efforts. Her detractors argue that goodwill initiatives promoted under the banner of compassion often operate as political branding exercises designed to expand her donor base, build her national following, and energize activists.
For many in her district, where concerns about affordability, food insecurity, and crime remain pressing, this latest controversy strikes a particularly sour note during a holiday intended for gratitude and community support.
As of publication, the congresswoman’s office has not publicly addressed questions regarding the fundraising link, the representation of the effort as a “turkey drive,” or whether any portion of the contributed funds will be used toward purchasing or distributing food in the Bronx.
What remains clear is that the ActBlue page linked to the email explicitly routes funds to Ocasio-Cortez’s reelection effort, not to any verified charitable organization or Thanksgiving assistance program.
Editor’s Note:
This report is based on email solicitations sent to constituents and publicly verifiable information appearing on the ActBlue fundraising page linked from the solicitation. Attribution includes recipient-provided email copies, campaign finance disclaimers on ActBlue, and Federal Election Commission disclosure requirements. Englebrook Independent News confirms the donation page identifies itself as “AOC for Congress.”
