In a significant blow to her political ambitions, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) lost her bid to become the top Democrat on the powerful House Oversight Committee. In a 34-27 vote Monday, the House Democrats’ Steering and Policy Committee instead chose centrist Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) as their pick for ranking member.
The decision underscores lingering divisions within the Democratic Party, as establishment forces, led by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, worked behind the scenes to ensure Ocasio-Cortez’s defeat. Connolly, a 16-year veteran of the committee, was backed by moderate Democrats, particularly the influential New Democrat Coalition.
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“New Dems are proud to endorse our colleague, friend, and fellow New Dem Rep. Gerry Connolly for Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability,” the coalition said in a statement prior to the vote. “Rep. Connolly is a strong and talented communicator and a dedicated workhorse prepared to expertly lead the committee in defending our Democratic priorities and standing up to the Trump administration’s extremist actions. He is the right choice to advance the interests of our full caucus.”
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