WASHINGTON _ They might never serve together in Congress but Republican Rep. Ron DeSantis and Democratic hopeful Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are engaged in an old-fashioned partisan fracas.
DeSantis, who is running for governor in Florida, was caught on a video referring to Ocasio-Cortez, who upset Rep. Joe Crowley in their New York primary, as "this girl Ocasio-Cortez or whatever" and said she was "socialism wrapped in ignorance," the New York Post reported.
DeSantis also criticized Ocasio-Cortez for a video interview she did with "Firing Line" that went viral in which she stumbled when discussing the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel.
"You're just repeating these canned left-wing talking points and you're somehow the savior of the Democratic Party?" DeSantis said.
Ocasio-Cortez, a former organizer for Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign and a favorite of left-wing Democrats, smacked back on Twitter.
"Rep DeSantis, it seems you're confused as to 'whatever I am.' I am a Puerto Rican woman."
Ocasio-Cortez said it was "strange" DeSantis did not recognized that since roughly 75,000 Puerto Ricans relocated to Florida after Hurricane Maria last year.
"But I'm sure these new FL voters appreciate your comments," she said.
President Donald Trump endorsed DeSantis' bid for governor and will rally for DeSantis on July 31, the Sun Sentinel reported. Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. already campaigned for DeSantis.
Florida's gubernatorial primary is Aug. 28.
