By The internal divisions within House Democrats have resurfaced as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi faces criticism for allegedly undermining Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s bid to lead the influential House Oversight Committee. Pelosi’s intervention has sparked accusations of “backroom sabotage” and resistance to ceding power to the party’s younger generation.
In a pointed critique for Slate, journalist Alexander Sammon described Pelosi’s maneuvering as “a reflection not of legitimate debate over who is best to lead the committee, but a yearslong vendetta Pelosi is unable to let go of.” The feud reportedly stems from clashes over the past six years, and with Ocasio-Cortez now vying for a leadership role, Pelosi is said to be rallying behind a more establishment figure.
Following notable Democratic losses in November, party leadership signaled an appetite for generational change. Veterans like Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) stepped aside, clearing the way for younger lawmakers. Yet, that momentum seemingly shifted when Ocasio-Cortez entered the race for Oversight Committee chair.
“Not one to let a young person ascend quietly, Nancy Pelosi entered the fray,” Sammon explained. Despite stepping down from party leadership in 2022, the 84-year-old Pelosi has reportedly been lobbying for 74-year-old Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia—recently diagnosed with throat cancer—to claim the position. Pelosi’s efforts have been remarkably determined; she has been “whipping votes” for Connolly even while recovering from hip surgery following a fall in Germany.
Ocasio-Cortez’s progressive credentials and national visibility make her a polarizing figure among centrist Democrats, noted Raw Story. However, Sammon argues she is uniquely qualified for the Oversight role, particularly as the party prepares for the possibility of a second Trump administration. The committee will play a critical role in investigating corruption and ensuring accountability, a task for which Ocasio-Cortez has already proven adept. Her viral interrogations of Trump-era officials during committee hearings have showcased her sharp questioning skills and ability to deliver forceful arguments.
“Her ability as an explainer is top-notch, and her penchant for conveying outrage and injustice is sorely lacking in the party’s upper echelons,” Sammon observed.
In the battle between two of the most powerful Democratic women in the House, however, it was, as usual, Pelosi who won the day. House Democrats voted on Tuesday to grant Connolly, 74, the role as ranking member of Oversight by a wide vote of 131-84.
I thank my colleagues for their support and the confidence they’ve placed in me to lead House Democrats on the Oversight Committee.
My full statement: pic.twitter.com/lOJfVZ1gC3
— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) December 17, 2024
The Virginian is ready for “trench warfare” against the GOP, he said.
“We know what the Republican playbook will be,” Connolly wrote in a statement. “We’ve seen it before. They have demonstrated that they are willing to traffic in debunked conspiracy theories and enable the worst abuses of the Trump administration.”
“This will be trench warfare,” Connolly added. “Now is not the time to be timid. I promise the American people that our Committee Democrats will be a beacon of truth and prepared from Day One to counter Republican gaslighting. We will be disciplined. We will be laser focused in getting results on the kitchen table issues that affect the American people the most. We will stand up for our democracy and for truth. And we will protect the tremendous and historic progress we have made as House Democrats.”
It wasn’t the first time AOC lost a vote among her colleagues, explained The Daily Caller.
“Connolly also reportedly bested Ocasio Cortez 34-27 during a previous vote among House Democrats’ Steering and Policy Committee Monday. The committee plays an outsized role in deciding which Democratic lawmakers win leadership roles.
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi whipped votes against Ocasio-Cortez before the two votes, Axios first reported. Ocasio-Cortez’s defeat could be seen as a blow to the left-wing lawmaker’s quest to exercise greater political influence within the House Democratic conference.”
The New York congresswoman licked her wounds on Bluesky, a Twitter for liberals, writing, “Tried my best. Sorry I couldn’t pull it through everyone – we live to fight another day.”
The Daily Caller noted, “Connolly’s ascension to ranking member of the House Oversight Committee comes as many long-time Democratic lawmakers in leadership faced competitive challenges from younger lawmakers over occupying top committee spots in what appears to be a partial generational change of leadership among House Democrats. Democratic Reps. Angie Craig of Minnesota, Jared Huffman of California and Jamie Raskin of Maryland won committee ranking member slots Tuesday following their decision to challenge lawmakers who were significantly older and dealt with health concerns that may have worried some House Democrats about their abilities to lead the conference during the second Trump administration.
The House Oversight Committee is likely to be ground zero for House Democrats’ efforts to take on President-elect Donald Trump and his administration during the next four years.”
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