Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) lost on Tuesday her bid to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. She was beat 131-84 by Gerry Connolly in the vote conducted by the full caucus, Punchbowl News reported John Bresnahan reported. He described AOC's behavior in the aftermath as "gracious," with the progressive lawmaker hugging Connolly following the vote.
Connolly wins! He defeats AOC by 131-84
— John Bresnahan (@bresreports) December 17, 2024
AOC's defeat was forewarned on Monday night after she also loss the voting in the Steering and Policy Committee by 34 to 27. The lawmaker had launched her bid as as the party undergoes a wave of "anxiety" and younger members sought to replace veterans in key posts.
However, a majority didn't support a generational change in the House Oversight Committee. One of the party's top figures to take such a stance was former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who actively promoted Connolly's candidacy.
Other supporters of Connolly highlighted his seniority and experience as key factors in his victory. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), a Connolly ally, said while seniority did play a role, his communication skills were also a strong asset. "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," Beyer said.
AOC would have become the youngest Democrat to lead the party in a House committee at 35 years old. She would have also gained a a platform to not only investigate President-elect Donald Trump's administration, but also to help her party forward as they come to terms with electoral defeat.
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