Ocasio-Cortez to speak at Democratic convention

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezProgressives push for direct payments to be included in COVID-19 relief deal Rubio and Ocasio-Cortez spar on Twitter: 'Work more, tweet less' Harry Styles hits back at criticism over wearing dress on Vogue cover MORE (D-N.Y.) will speak at the virtual Democratic National Convention, organizers confirmed on Tuesday, after it was initially unclear whether or not she would have a slot.

The first-term New York congresswoman and progressive standard-bearer will speak next Tuesday. Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersOn The Money: Unemployment gains lower than expected | Jobs report lights fire under coronavirus relief talks Sanders says he can't support bipartisan COVID-19 relief proposal in its current form Progressives push for direct payments to be included in COVID-19 relief deal MORE (I-Vt.), for whom Ocasio-Cortez served as a prominent surrogate, is also set to address the convention on Monday.

After Sanders exited the race, Ocasio-Cortez co-chaired a climate task force developed as part of Sanders’s and former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenAppeals court OKs White House diverting military funding to border wall construction Federal student loan payment suspension extended another month Pentagon: Tentative meeting between spy agencies, Biden transition set for early next week MORE’s unity commission. The task force’s recommendations formed the basis for much of the Democratic Party’s 2020 environmental platform.

Ocasio-Cortez will be one of several prominent Hispanic officials speaking at the virtual event. Democratic officials told CNN that former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan GrishamMichelle Lynn Lujan GrishamOVERNIGHT ENERGY: EPA proposes reapproving uses of pesticide linked to brain damage in children | Hispanic caucus unhappy with transition team treatment of Lujan Grisham | Schwarzenegger backs Nichols to lead EPA Biden aide seeks to ease concerns about Cabinet diversity The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Mastercard - Congress inches closer to virus relief deal MORE (D) and Sen. Catherine Cortez MastoCatherine Marie Cortez MastoSenate committee approves nominations of three FEC commissioners Hispanic leaders coalesce in support of Lujan Grisham as HHS secretary Favorites emerge as Latino leaders press Biden to appoint 5 Hispanics to Cabinet MORE (D-Nev.) are also set to speak.

"Latinos are an integral part of the fabric of this nation, which is why we are making significant efforts to ensure Latino voices and experiences are highlighted throughout the Democratic National Convention," said Julie Chávez Rodriguez, a senior adviser to the Biden campaign, told CNN. "Latino voters are critical to our path to victory, and as we continue to make our case for Vice President Biden, we will keep investing in reaching out to Latino voters and uplifting individual stories to showcase the diversity and experiences of Latinos throughout the country."

The theme of the Aug. 17-20 convention is set to be “Uniting America,” with the Democratic Party highlighting support for Biden, its presumptive nominee, from both moderates and figures on the party’s left flank who supported Sanders. The first-night lineup of former Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), Sanders and former first lady Michelle ObamaMichelle LeVaughn Robinson ObamaObama says he leans on daughters to create year-end playlists An immigrant to get the job done at Homeland Security Obama: 'Hopeless' to try to sell as many books as Michelle MORE is also intended to highlight a broad ideological cross-section backing Biden.

Politico reported late last week that Democrats were split on how prominent a role to give Ocasio-Cortez. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D), a close Biden confidant, told the publication he believed the party’s progressive wing was already sufficiently represented by Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenCan Biden find a third way between Trumpism and Obama-era globalism? Left seeks to influence Biden picks while signaling unity Schwarzenegger says he would 'absolutely' help Biden administration MORE (D-Mass), who is scheduled to speak on Wednesday.

— This report was updated at 8:37 a.m.