Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is advocating to spearhead the opposition against the Trump administration from Capitol Hill.
As reported by her peers, the congresswoman from New York is aiming to become the leading Democrat on the vital House Oversight Committee.
However, she first needs to overcome another member of the Democratic Party who is more than double her age.
At 35 years old, Ocasio-Cortez is expected to face Rep. Gerry Connolly, who is 74 and recently announced his esophageal cancer diagnosis.
Amid the party’s upheaval following last month’s electoral setback, this contest is being portrayed as a critical test of whether Democrats genuinely desire change or if they will maintain the status quo with seniority prevailing.
NBC News reported that three Democratic representatives have confirmed Ocasio-Cortez’s candidacy.
The Oversight Committee is regarded as essential by Democrats eager to rein in the potential early overreach of the Trump-led Republicans. If the party regains control of the House after the midterms, it will possess extensive authority to challenge and seek to limit Trump’s actions.
While expressing admiration for Connolly, Ocasio-Cortez confirmed her aspirations for the position, stating to NBC: “I’m definitely interested in the role. I’m engaging in numerous discussions with my colleagues. And, you know, it’s absolutely vital that we ready ourselves adequately for a forthcoming Trump administration, while simultaneously advocating for the needs of everyday working Americans.”
“I have great respect for Gerry,” she continued, calling him an “exceptionally outstanding leader.”
Connolly maintained that he holds the advantage regarding experience. “For me, it’s not about age. It’s about expertise, record, and competence, and that’s how I need to frame it. She is a new talent with significant potential, but I’m the only candidate in this race who has actually chaired a subcommittee. I think that’s very significant,” he remarked to reporters.
The Democrats’ prime position on the Oversight Committee became available as the current head, Jamie Raskin, is expected to transition to lead the Judiciary Committee.
