Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez praised socialist congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as “the future” of the Democratic Party on Tuesday.

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Liberal radio host Bill Press said during a Tuesday interview with Perez that Ocasio-Cortez was able to take out longtime congressman Joe Crowley in the New York primary. Ocasio-Cortez campaigned on abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and guaranteeing health care and housing as basic human rights.

“What’s this tell you about where the Democratic Party is going today?” Press asked.

Perez glossed over Ocasio-Cortez’s socialist policies and instead focused on the fact that she is a woman, noting that his “daughters” were very excited about her victory.

“Well, my daughters — I have three kids, two of whom are daughters, one just graduated college, one is in college, and they were both texting me about their excitement over Alexandria because, you know, she really represents the future of our party,” Perez replied. “She ran a spirited campaign.”

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