House Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Campaign Spends Nearly $50,000 on Luxury Stays in Puerto Rico

By Sandy Fitzgerald | Thursday, December 11, 2025 02:15 PM EST

Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings for the third quarter of the year reveal that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign spent nearly $50,000 in Puerto Rico between June and September on lavish hotels and meals.

The records also show a total expenditure of $23,000 was paid for a “venue rental” at the same arena in San Juan where she was spotted dancing in a suite during a Bad Bunny concert in August — the same month as her gentrification speech.

In a published statement, Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign manager, Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben, stated that the New York Democrat “regularly travels to Puerto Rico to support local causes and host events that require both staff and security.” He added: “She is deeply proud of her investment in grassroots organizing and will continue to be active in advocating for both people on the island and the millions of Puerto Ricans in the diaspora.”

Footage from social media shows Ocasio-Cortez visiting a housing development, while other videos capture her dancing in box seats at the Bad Bunny concert held at El Choli Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan. The event attracted celebrities including LeBron James, Iggy Azalea, Penelope Cruz, and Austin Butler.

According to the FEC campaign finance report detailing expenses from July 1 through September 30, Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign spent more than $15,000 at two San Juan luxury hotels — Hotel Palacio Provincial and Hotel El Convento — as well as $10,500 on meals and catering services.

The filings detail specific payments: On July 28, the campaign paid $680.52 to Hotel Palacio Provincial, followed by payments of $1,507.26 on August 29 and $9,440.79 on September 29. A separate payment of $3,861.20 was made to Hotel El Convento on August 25.

The campaign also spent thousands of dollars on high-end dining in the United States during the third quarter, including nearly $5,000 at the Hotel Vermont in Burlington, following a $1,600 expense at the same hotel in April. Additional spending included almost $2,000 for a stay at the Thompson Central Park Hotel in New York City and $3,000 at the Arlo Williamsburg in Brooklyn.

The FEC report further notes that Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign spent $4,500 on ice cream from Mr. Ding-a-ling Ice Cream in Latham, New York, and $4,400 on catering from Caleb Jang, a D.C.-area executive chef.