In the heart of deep-red Idaho, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders packed out a 12,500-seat arena—proof, they say, that progressive politics is catching fire in places long written off by Democrats.
Speaking Monday night at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, both politicians made one thing clear: they believe the tide is turning, even in states where Republicans have long ruled.
“Alexandria, they told us this was a conservative state,” Sanders said, stepping on stage to loud cheers. “They got it wrong.”
The rally was part of Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, which has been pulling in huge crowds across the country. Ocasio-Cortez has joined him at several stops, helping hammer home a message focused on working-class struggles, corporate greed, and the fight for universal healthcare.
Just the night before, they spoke to 20,000 people in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Pulling in thousands on a Monday night in a non-election year would be a big deal anywhere. But in Idaho—where Donald Trump won by over 36 points in 2024—it’s unheard of.
Still, Sanders wasn’t interested in labels or expectations.
“We don’t accept this blue state–red state nonsense,” he said. “We are the United States of America, not red states, not blue states.”
Ocasio-Cortez was just as direct.
“I’ll give you one simple answer,” she told the crowd, addressing those who questioned why they came to Idaho. “It’s because you matter.”
She spoke about her own struggles during the 2008 financial crash and made it clear they weren’t there for a one-night show.
“We are here for the long haul, Idaho,” she said. “We’re here to flip this state.”
Ocasio-Cortez didn’t hold back, saying she wants to kick out Republican lawmakers and replace them with “a brawling Democrat who will stand up for the working people of Idaho.”
She reminded the crowd that political maps aren’t set in stone.
“If places like Tennessee and Kentucky and West Virginia could be blue and go to red, Idaho can go from red to blue.”
In a state that hasn’t voted for a Democrat for president since 1964, that’s a bold claim—but judging by the roar of the crowd, it’s one people are ready to fight for.
Watch the video of the event below:
