USA (AP) -- Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York is endorsing Bernie Sanders for president and will appear with him at a rally in her home district this weekend.
Sanders deputy communications director Sarah Ford confirmed the news Tuesday.
The endorsement is a major boon for the 78-year-old Vermont senator, who has faced questions over his health since suffering a heart attack two weeks ago.
The 30-year-old Ocasio-Cortez is a progressive star who notched an upset win in her 2018 primary. Both Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sanders have coveted her endorsement.
Sanders hinted at her backing during Tuesday’s Democratic debate in response to a question about his age, saying his skeptics should attend his Saturday rally featuring a “surprise guest.”
