Ocasio-Cortez 'set to endorse Bernie Sanders for president'

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is set to back Bernie Sanders as the Democrat to take on Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest ever US congresswoman and has become a leading progressive voice in the party.

She is scheduled to appear at a "Bernie's Back" rally in New York to formally offer her support on Saturday.

Mr Sanders, 78, took part in a debate on Tuesday night, less than two weeks after suffering a heart attack.

He took the opportunity to try and ease concerns over his health during the appearance, telling the debate crowd in Ohio: "I'm healthy, I'm feeling great."

Mr Sanders is currently third in the polls to win the party's nomination, behind former vice-president Joe Biden and Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Mr Sanders previously ran for the Democratic nomination in 2016, but lost to Hillary Clinton.

An endorsement by Ms Ocasio-Cortez is being viewed in the US media as a significant boost for Mr Sanders' campaign and a big blow for fellow progressive candidate Elizabeth Warren.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez has become a high-profile voice within the Democratic Party since she beat a political veteran congressman for his seat in a primary vote 2018.