Progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., was defeated in her bid to be the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, losing to Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia.
Connolly bested Ocasio-Cortez with 131 to 84 votes in what is seen as a blow for progressives who backed Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the progressive “Squad.”
“I thank my colleagues for their support and the confidence they’ve placed in me to lead House Democrats on the Oversight Committee,” Connolly said in a statement after being elected by the House Democratic Caucus..
Connolly called out “the Republican playbook,” in which he accused Republicans of using “debunked conspiracy theories” and enabling “the worst abuses of the Trump Administration.”
‘THERE’S ALWAYS CONSEQUENCES’: GOP REBELS PLOT MUTINY AGAINST JOHNSON OVER GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN DRAMA
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., lost her bid to be the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
“This will be trench warfare.” Connolly said. “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.”
FILE – Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., listens at an event, Oct. 22, 2020, in Fairfax, Va. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
TOP REPUBLICAN TOUTS ‘REAL MOTIVATION’ BEHIND HOUSE DOGE CAUCUS’ MISSION BEFORE FIRST MEETING
Connolly said Democrats will be “disciplined” and “laser focused” on the kitchen table issues that are affecting the American people.
“We will stand up for our democracy and for truth,” he said. “And we will protect the tremendous and historic progress we have made as House Democrats.”
This is a breaking news story; check back for updates.
Fox News’ Chad Pergram and Tyler Olson contributed to this report.
