Official announcements from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or House Democratic Caucus records

Gerry Connolly Defeats Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 131-84 for House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Role

Dec 17, 2024, 05:12 PM

Rep. Gerry Connolly, aged 74, has been elected as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee by the House Democratic Caucus, defeating 35-year-old Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a vote of 131-84. The vote took place on Tuesday, following a recommendation by the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee the previous day. Connolly, who has served on the committee for 16 years, emphasized his experience and capability as key factors in his victory, despite recent concerns over his esophagus cancer diagnosis. Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent progressive, had sought to lead the committee as part of a push for generational change within the Democratic Party. The outcome reflects ongoing tensions within the party regarding leadership and direction. Following her defeat, Ocasio-Cortez posted on social media, 'Tried my best. Sorry I couldn’t pull it through everyone — we live to fight another day.' Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported Connolly in the race.