House Dems say ‘no thanks’ to AOC’s power grab in embarrassing vote

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) suffered a significant defeat in her push to become the ranking member of the influential House Oversight Committee, according to a report from Axios. The loss highlights a growing divide within the Democratic Party and raises questions about Ocasio-Cortez’s influence in Washington.

On Monday, the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee “voted to recommend Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) as ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, several sources familiar with the vote told Axios.” This move is a major setback for Ocasio-Cortez, as the Steering Committee’s decisions are almost always rubber-stamped by the broader House Democratic caucus.

The Oversight Committee, previously led by Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin as its top Democrat, plays a pivotal role in holding government officials accountable through investigations and hearings. For Ocasio-Cortez, the role represented an opportunity to gain even more media attention and a greater platform for her far-left agenda.

Despite being one of the most recognizable figures in the Democratic Party, Ocasio-Cortez’s attempt to cast herself as a fresh alternative to the 74-year-old Connolly fell flat. While she framed her candidacy as part of a broader effort to bring younger voices into leadership, her pitch didn’t resonate with enough of her colleagues. Connolly, who has been in Congress for nine terms, was seen as a “steady hand” compared to Ocasio-Cortez’s often confrontational and divisive style.

The push for “new blood” in Democratic leadership has been ongoing, as seen with the rise of Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to replace Nancy Pelosi as party leader. Axios noted other examples of younger Democrats ousting older members from top committee roles. “Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), 52, defeated 79-year-old Agriculture Committee ranking member David Scott (D-Ga.) and Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.), 72, to lead the Agriculture panel,” the outlet reported.

However, Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign was met with quiet but firm resistance from party heavyweights. Sources suggest that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi worked behind the scenes to ensure Connolly’s victory, a move seen by some as a rebuke of Ocasio-Cortez’s brand of aggressive progressivism. Despite Pelosi’s departure from formal leadership, her influence within the caucus remains strong.

In response to the setback, Ocasio-Cortez took to Bluesky, attempting to project optimism. “We can do this. Tomorrow is the day. Do not give up early. Do not be discouraged! A close vote is what we needed here and that’s what we got. Stay POSITIVE and PRAYERFUL and I will be working,” she wrote. The post appeared to be an effort to rally her supporters, but many saw it as a sign that she was clinging to false hope.

Interestingly, House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) offered unexpected praise for Ocasio-Cortez. “Obviously, I don’t agree with very much of her policy, but I think she’s a good person, I think she’s very well spoken. I did not have a good relationship with Jamie Raskin – I don’t think that’s any secret,” Comer stated. His comments drew backlash from some conservative commentators, especially those in the MAGA wing of the Republican Party, who viewed his remarks as unnecessary praise for one of the most polarizing figures on the left.

This entire episode underscores the ongoing power struggle within the Democratic Party. While moderates and old-guard figures like Pelosi continue to assert control, Ocasio-Cortez’s faction has struggled to convert its social media clout into tangible leadership roles. For all of her headline-grabbing antics and performative social media posts, this loss serves as a reminder that influence on Twitter does not always translate to influence in Congress.