The Democratic Party is currently in the process of selecting its next top member for the House Oversight Committee, a position currently held by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD). Raskin has announced his bid to become the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, and two prominent Democrats are now competing to succeed him on the influential Oversight Committee.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), 84, is reportedly working to block Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), 35, from taking the top Democrat spot on the committee. Instead, Pelosi is backing Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), 74, for the role, according to Punchbowl News.
Sources close to the situation say Pelosi has been “making calls” to Democratic colleagues, actively urging them to support Connolly over Ocasio-Cortez. The move highlights Pelosi’s ongoing influence within the party and her preference for a more experienced member like Connolly to lead the Democrats on this high-profile panel.
Connolly, who has served in Congress since 2009, is viewed as a steady and seasoned figure with a more traditional approach to oversight. Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent progressive voice and member of “The Squad,” represents a younger, more combative faction of the party, often at odds with Pelosi’s leadership style. Interestingly, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has expressed a willingness to work with AOC, calling her “very well-spoken” and suggesting she would make a capable ranking member.
In a CNN interview, Comer was asked about AOC’s bid for the position. “I’m a big AOC fan,” Comer said. “I don’t agree with much of her policy, but I think she’s a good person. I think she’s very well-spoken. I did not have a good relationship with Jamie Raskin. The Democrats have nowhere to go but up after having Jamie Raskin for the last four years. So, I think AOC would be great. Gerry Connolly would be great.”
Comer went on to mention other potential candidates, like Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna, but emphasized that he would look forward to working with whoever ultimately takes the role. “If it’s AOC, I think we’ll have a good working relationship,” Comer said. “We’ll obviously have a lot of differences on policy, but I think she’s a good, well-spoken person for the Democrats to serve in that position.”
According to discussions with twelve members and staffers who spoke to Politico, AOC has gained the support of most Democrats on the panel. However, the final decision will be made by the Steering and Policy Committee and the entire Democratic caucus.
Senior Democrats note that while AOC is seen as the frontrunner in the race against Connolly, the outcome remains uncertain. This contest reflects a broader struggle within the party, as many veteran committee leaders, most in their seventies, face challenges from younger opponents. “Many members are concerned about the precedent these races are setting,” a senior House Democrat told Axios.
Two House Democrats familiar with Pelosi’s efforts have confirmed that she has been actively reaching out to colleagues, urging them to back Connolly in the race against Ocasio-Cortez.
