Special Poll
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has officially announced her candidacy to become the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee. At 35 years old, she would be the youngest Democratic committee leader if elected and one of the most prominent figures in such a role.
Her decision to run comes at a time when younger Democrats are seeking to challenge the party’s older leadership, particularly as the country prepares for the next Trump administration. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of the position in a letter to colleagues, describing it as a significant responsibility in addressing the challenges posed by Trump’s return to the White House. She highlighted the need for Democrats to focus on holding the administration accountable while also championing policies that improve the lives of working Americans.
Currently serving as vice-ranking member of the committee, Ocasio-Cortez is entering a competitive race against Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), a senior member of the panel who is 74 years old. Connolly previously lost the ranking member role to Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who is now vying to lead Democrats on the Judiciary Committee. Lawmakers have suggested this could be a close contest, with Connolly’s recent cancer diagnosis—though reportedly manageable—potentially influencing the outcome.
Ocasio-Cortez’s candidacy marks a significant moment as younger Democrats push for leadership roles and a renewed focus on progressive priorities in a challenging political environment.