A rematch is taking shape in the Democratic primary for New York's 14th Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Wall Street investor Marty Dolan told News 12's senior political reporter Tara Rosenblum that he is launching another primary challenge against her after winning nearly 20% of the vote two years ago.
"We've now had somewhere between six to eight years of the far left, and I think it’s time for a referendum on how they're doing," says Dolan.
Dolan says he's running as a moderate Democrat and believes the party needs a course correction.
"I think you know AOC is the leader of the far left...She's built up a lot of capital, but I don't think that capital has been wisely spent. I think it’s been spent and wasted on causes that are not directly beneficial for us," says Dolan.
When Dolan and Ocasio-Cortez first faced off in the 2024 Democratic primary, Dolan finished second after making the ballot and spending very little on his campaign. This time, he says he plans to raise more money and self-finance part of the race.
"Last time against AOC, we got 7,000 signatures, and I got about 20% of the vote with no money. This time, I'm confident we'll get on the ballot and raise money as we go."
Dolan, a Westchester native who now lives on Manhattan's Upper West Side, says he plans to move during the campaign into the district, which covers the southern Bronx and Queens.
Ocasio-Cortez. who also grew up in Westchester, first won the seat in 2018, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. She remains extremely popular in the heavily Democratic district and enters the race with a massive fundraising edge – more than $13 million cash on hand.
Her national profile also continues to grow, with some speculation about a future presidential run. But Dolan says voters deserve a choice.
"I'm running as a moderate, and I think the Democratic Party is hungry for unity, and it's time that those voices are heard," he says.
News 12 reached out to the congresswoman's team for comment but has not yet heard back.