'We love you': AOC thanks Bernie Sanders after he suspends 2020 campaign

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It was just a few words, but they could barely have been more heartfelt.

“Thank you Bernie – for doing your best to fight for all of us, from the beginning, for your entire life,” wrote Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

“Thank you for fighting hard, lonely fights in true devotion to a people’s movement in the United States.”

She added: “Thank you for your leadership, mentorship, and example. We love you.”

The remarks from the 30-year-old New York congresswoman came as Bernie Sanders, one of her political mentors, announced he was ending his bid to become president.

The veteran Vermont senator claimed in an address that while his campaign had “won the battle of ideas”, he it had failed to secure sufficient delegates.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez, now best known as AOC, had worked for his 2016 campaign, and been inspired to make her own run for office as a result.

In 2018, she become the youngest member elected to Congress.

Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar also paid tribute to Mr Sanders run.

“Today, our movement faces a setback. But every single setback is an opportunity to push for progress,” she tweeted.

“We always knew it would not happen overnight. But I know our cause is just. And I am more committed than ever to fighting for somebody I don’t know. For those of you who plan to sit this election out or vote for Trump, just stop. The livelihoods of millions of marginalized people are at stake.”