AOC Opts Out of House Oversight Leadership Race

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced she will not seek the top Democratic position on the House Oversight Committee, citing the caucus's preference for seniority and unchanged dynamics that would disadvantage her bid. The leadership vacancy arose after Rep. Gerry Connolly stepped down due to a recurrence of esophageal cancer. Connolly, who previously defeated Ocasio-Cortez for the role, has also announced this will be his final term in Congress and expressed gratitude to his constituents. Ocasio-Cortez will remain on the Energy and Commerce Committee. Younger Democrats such as Jasmine Crockett, Ro Khanna, Maxwell Frost, and Robert Garcia are considered possible contenders for the influential post. The situation highlights ongoing debates within the Democratic caucus about seniority and leadership renewal.