PBS News Hour

AMNA NAWAZ

Voters in seven states went to the polls yesterday in the latest test for both parties ahead of November's midterms. Lisa Desjardins is back with this look at a major upset for one of the highest-ranking Democrats in the House of Representatives. ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ (D),

New York Congressional Candidate

I cannot put this into words.

LISA DESJARDINS

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was speechless after toppling Congressman Joe Crowley, the number four Democrat in the House, in the New York primary in Queens and the Bronx.

ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ

I was born in a place where your zip code determines your destiny.

LISA DESJARDINS

The 28-year-old Democratic socialist, who could become the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, was a former organizer for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign and ran on a progressive platform of Medicare for all and shutting down ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ

Our campaign was focused on just a laser-focused message of economic, social and racial dignity for working-class Americans. Even if you have never voted before, we are talking to you.

LISA DESJARDINS

Ten-term incumbent Crowley, who was considering a run for speaker of the House, immediately endorsed his opponent. REP. JOE CROWLEY (D),

New York

At the end of the day, this district will be represented by a Democrat. And it's the Democratic Party that's going to lead this nation forward.

LISA DESJARDINS

On Capitol Hill, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi dismissed any questions of bigger troubles or battles inside the Democratic Party. REP. NANCY PELOSI (D-CA),

House Minority Leader

Nobody's district is representative of somebody else's district. It's just a sign of the vitality of our party. We're not a rubber stamp.

LISA DESJARDINS

But President Trump said Crowley's loss is a victory for him, writing

on Twitter

"That is a big one that nobody saw happening. Perhaps he should have been nicer, and more respectful, to his president." It was a very good night for Mr. Trump and his candidates all around. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who campaigned with the president Monday, won a run-off for the Republican nomination. GOV. HENRY MCMASTER (R),

South Carolina

As President Trump says, we are going to keep on winning, winning, winning in South Carolina. (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

LISA DESJARDINS

The president's candidate on Staten Island, incumbent Dan Donovan, easily fended off a comeback bid by former Congressman Michael Grimm, who resigned his seat in 2015 after pleading guilty to felony tax fraud. And President Trump congratulated former adversary Mitt Romney, who won his party's nomination for Utah's Senate seat. The former GOP presidential nominee and Massachusetts governor delivered a softer message on one of the president's hard-line issues. MITT ROMNEY (R),

Former Presidential Candidate

We also welcome immigrants and refugees who come here legally. They add to the vitality of our great country. (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

LISA DESJARDINS

The nation is now more than halfway through the midterm primary season, just four months until November's elections. For the "PBS NewsHour," I'm Lisa Desjardins.