Democrats Elect Gerry Connolly Over AOC for Top Democrat on Oversight Committee
Democrats Elect Gerry Connolly Over AOC for Top Democrat on Oversight Committee
Democrats have elected Rep. Gerry Connolly as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, rejecting a push by some members to tap a younger generation of lawmakers. Connolly, 74, defeated 35-year-old Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was backed by progressives. The election highlights the tensions over a potential generational shift within the party, as long-serving top Democrats on other committees have also stepped down. Connolly's election places him in line to chair the committee if Democrats retake the House in 2026.