The New York progressive’s defeat was a counterpoint to generational change in the Democratic ranks, as House members chose younger members to lead other committees.

Connolly secured the recommendation of the party's top brass in a 34-27 vote. But the House Democratic caucus will still need to hold its vote for the top slot later this week.

The fourth-term Bronx/Queens lawmaker has told fellow Democrats that they must push back against Republicans but also offer working-class voters a vision of a better path forward.

The ranking member position on the Oversight committee is now held by Rep. Jamie Raskin, but the Maryland Democrat relinquished the position to seek another prominent post, as top

The next ranking member of the House Oversight Committee will reportedly be nine-term Democrat Gerry Connolly of Virginia. “Tried my best,” AOC wrote in a post on Bluesky after the vote. “Sorry I couldn’t pull it through everyone—we live to fight another day.

The race between Connolly and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had been seen as a fight over seniority as younger Democrats pushed for new blood and generational change.

Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) to become the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, electing him to the key position by a vote of 131-84 over Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who was also vying for the role.