U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) fell short in her bid to become the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, a key position that would have provided her with a higher-profile platform. In a private vote by the House Democrats’ Steering and Policy Committee on Monday, House Democrats chose longtime Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) for the role, according to a report from Axios. This outcome marks a significant setback for Ocasio-Cortez, though the full Democratic caucus will still need to vote on whether to approve the committee’s nomination.
It is uncommon for the full caucus to reject a steering committee’s nomination, which is closely aligned with party leadership, though it has happened before. The final vote was not particularly close, with Connolly defeating Ocasio-Cortez 34-27, according to multiple lawmakers present for the vote. Despite the significant setback, Ocasio-Cortez has vowed to continue pursuing the key position, Axios noted further.
As ranking member, the progressive lawmaker would have been the most senior member on the House Oversight Committee, which is responsible for ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of federal agencies. The ranking member plays a crucial role in shaping legislation through amendments, conducting oversight, and providing key commentary on committee agendas.
The ongoing battle between Rep. Connolly, 74, and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, 35, reflects a broader trend where several senior Democrats have lost leadership bids to younger challengers. On Monday, Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), 52, defeated 79-year-old Agriculture Committee ranking member David Scott (D-GA) and 72-year-old Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) to lead the Agriculture panel. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) told Axios that Connolly’s seniority likely played a role in his victory, though he noted it “wasn’t just that.”
“Everyone sort of made the case that they would be the best to help change the message across the country. … He’s a very good communicator,” he said. Another member, who spoke with the outlet on condition of anonymity, attributed AOC’s loss to the committee’s makeup, stating that it is “made up of the most senior members.” Supporters of Ocasio-Cortez are holding out hope in the wake of the vote. “The majority of votes are in the caucus. We’re somewhere between 50 and 70 in [steering], but then it’s going to move up to a much larger 215,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). “The numbers could move. They all have a chance.”