General Discussion

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) on Tuesday defeated Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to lead Democrats on the Oversight and Accountability Committee in the next Congress, putting the feisty liberal veteran in one of the most powerful spots to confront President Trump in his second term.

The win was forecast a day earlier, when the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee voted to recommend the seat to Connolly, who has a decade more experience than Ocasio-Cortez on the powerful committee.

The non-binding Steering vote lent a symbolic boost to Connolly, 74, but his victory was ultimately decided by the full Caucus, which huddled behind closed doors Tuesday morning in the Capitol basement and voted by secret ballot to give him the coveted seat.

Connolly also got some help from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who endorsed his bid and lobbied actively on his behalf in the lead up to this week’s votes.

https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5044107-connolly-ocasio-cortez-oversight-committee-democrats/amp/