Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to stump for Forstag at Missoula rally next week

MISSOULA — Just more than a year ago, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, visited Missoula as part of the Sen. Bernie Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” tour.

The two progressive lawmakers made dozens of stops around the country, and in Missoula brought some 9,000 Montanans to the Adams Center to hear their message.

Next week, Ocasio-Cortez, known colloquially as “AOC,” will be back in Missoula, this time stumping on the campaign trail for U.S. House hopeful Sam Forstag, a union leader and smokejumper who had a speaking slot at the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour last year.

Forstag, one of four Democrats seeking the nomination for Montana’s western district, has earned endorsements from both AOC and Sanders, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

He has also positioned himself as a labor-focused candidate, with endorsements from state and national union organizations, including Montana AFL-CIO and the Montana Federation of Public Employees.

The rally next week will also feature Sara Nelson president of the AFA-CWA, which represents flight attendants and labor leaders from across Montana, according to an announcement from the campaign.

The rally will take place on Friday, May 22 at the Wilma Theater in Missoula, with doors opening at 5 p.m.