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Gerry Connolly Defeats Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 131-84 to Lead House Oversight Committee in Key Vote

Dec 17, 2024, 04:19 PM

Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia has been elected as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, defeating Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a significant vote. The Steering and Policy Committee of House Democrats recommended Connolly over Ocasio-Cortez, with the final vote tally being 131-84. This election marks a pivotal moment in the Democratic Party, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the party's established leadership and its progressive wing. Connolly, 74, was backed by prominent figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, while Ocasio-Cortez, 35, sought to represent the younger, more progressive faction of the party. The vote is seen as a setback for Ocasio-Cortez and her allies, who have been advocating for generational change within the party's leadership. Following the vote, Ocasio-Cortez expressed her intention to continue her political efforts despite the loss.