Ocasio-Cortez, Omar And Pressley Rally Behind Democrat Accused Of Using Employees For Extramarital Trysts

Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts came to the defense of Democratic California Rep. Katie Hill, who is resigning amidst scrutiny on her alleged extramarital affairs with two different staffers.

Hill gave a departing address on Thursday in which she blamed a “double standard” for her resignation.

She previously admitted to having an “inappropriate” affair with a female campaign staffer, but denied having an affair with a male congressional aide. The House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into Hill’s alleged affair with the congressional aide–which would have violated House rules–before Hill announced her resignation.

Hill’s fellow freshmen Democrats in the House echoed Hill’s talking points in coming to her defense by focusing on leaked nude photos of the congresswoman.

Rep. Omar on Thursday tweeted pictures of herself with Hill and Pressley, adding: “To all the women/girls out there, do not be deterred from pursuing your dreams. We must and will create a society where you cannot be defamed, smeared and kept from your career aspirations because of smear campaigns!”

Pressley added her own salute to Hill in a tweet, writing: “I have no doubt that so many people who have survived abusive revenge porn felt seen & heard today. You have many more chapters ahead sis & I look forward to all the good you’ll do.”

“This doesn’t happen to male members in the same way — revenge porn in this respect. It’s horrific,” Ocasio-Cortez told Politico in a story Thursday. “I don’t think we’re really talking about how targeted and serious this is. We’re talking about a major crime… being committed against her,” she added.

Contrary to Ocasio-Cortez’s assertion, a GOP congressman had a similar photo released in 2017. Former Texas Rep. Joe Barton retired after a nude photo he sent to a mistress leaked online.