New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez lost a key vote on Monday to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, as the party's Steering and Policy Committee formally recommended Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) for the role. Connolly, 74, defeated Ocasio-Cortez, 35, by a vote of 34 to 27, according to lawmakers present at the meeting.
The decision marks a setback for Ocasio-Cortez, who is hoping to be the party's leader on the influential panel. However, it is not a done deal, as the full Democratic caucus must still approve the recommendation, leaving the door open for her to contest the position. "She can win tomorrow," one Ocasio-Cortez ally told Axios.
Ocasio-Cortez formally launched her bid last week as the party undergoes a wave of "anxiety" and younger members seek to replace veterans in key posts. Should she pull the upset, she'd be the youngest to hold such a role, offering a platform to shape the party's future and scrutinize Trump's administration.
On the other hand, supporters of Connolly point to 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.
A House Democrat aligned with Ocasio-Cortez said that the steering committee, which is made up of senior members of the caucus, is not her most favorable audience. Still, there is precedent for the full caucus overturning steering's recommendations. In 2014, the caucus chose Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) to lead the Energy and Commerce Committee, rejecting steering's pick of Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.).
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) said that the larger vote could shift the outcome. "We're somewhere between 50 and 70 in [steering], but then it's going to move up to a much larger 215. The numbers could move. They all have a chance," Kaptur said.
For now, Ocasio-Cortez has signaled her determination to continue her fight. "She will contest the role," her ally confirmed.
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