Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly’s decision to step aside as the top Democrat on the high-profile panel for health reasons has kicked off a quiet scramble to succeed him even before a formal vacancy was declared.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Monday she won’t seek the top Democratic position on the Oversight Committee, citing the caucus’ preference for seniority.
”It’s actually clear to me that the underlying dynamics in the caucus have not shifted with respect to seniority as much as I think would be necessary, so I believe I’ll be staying put at Energy and Commerce,” the New York progressive told reporters.
Since then, Ocasio-Cortez has headlined a series of packed “Fight Oligarchy” rallies with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). The national tour has stoked speculation about a potential run for higher office, and her decision to forego a step up the ladder in the House might only fuel that speculation further.
Ocasio-Cortez said she believed the thinking among House Democrats hadn’t shifted appreciably enough since the earlier contest. “I think the result will largely be the same at this point,” she said. More here
