Campaign finance records show that the campaign of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spent more than $2,000 on professional hair and makeup services, drawing public attention and criticism. The expenses were disclosed in filings with the Federal Election Commission and were tied to services provided during campaign-related appearances.
According to the filings, the payments were made to The Only Agency, a firm that represents makeup artists and stylists who frequently work with high-profile clients. The campaign reported three separate payments in November: $670 for makeup services on Nov. 5, followed by two additional payments of $693.08 and $665 within the next several days. These charges were listed as expenses for campaign events, including hair and makeup preparation.
The agency is known for its association with celebrities such as Bad Bunny and Bella Hadid, and it markets premium services with starting rates that often exceed $600 per session. These figures are consistent with the amounts reported in the campaign’s financial disclosures.
One of the appearances linked to these services was a rally held in Queens in support of mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Makeup artist Jocelyn Biga later shared images from the event on social media, describing the experience of preparing Ocasio-Cortez for the stage. The photos showed a polished look featuring bold makeup and styled hair, reflecting the kind of professional presentation often associated with high-profile public events.
The reported spending has prompted comparisons with more typical local pricing. Some salons in Queens, for example, charge significantly lower rates, often around $100 for hairstyling and $150 for makeup services. These comparisons have fueled criticism from political opponents, including representatives of the Republican National Committee, who argue that the spending contrasts with Ocasio-Cortez’s messaging on wealth inequality. Critics have framed the expenses as inconsistent with her advocacy for policies aimed at reducing economic disparities.
This is not the first time Ocasio-Cortez’s public image and related expenses have come under scrutiny. Her attendance at the Met Gala 2021 previously sparked debate, particularly after the House Ethics Committee found that she had violated House rules regarding the acceptance of certain gifts connected to the event.
Despite the criticism, Ocasio-Cortez has consistently addressed the broader issue of appearance standards for women in public life. She has argued that women, especially those in visible leadership roles, often face higher expectations regarding grooming and presentation than their male counterparts. In past interviews and social media posts, she has emphasized that interest in beauty and fashion should not be dismissed as trivial, but rather understood within the context of professional and societal expectations.
Overall, while the campaign’s spending appears to comply with reporting rules, it has sparked an ongoing debate about optics, political messaging, and the balance between personal presentation and public perception.
