Staff ReportsAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently took a stab at leading one of the most significant committees in the House of Representatives—only to be handed a resounding defeat that has the Democratic establishment circling the wagons. The ambitious congresswoman, known for her fiery rhetoric and progressive ideals, aimed to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. However, she fell short to Rep. Gerry Connolly, a seasoned representative from Virginia who has been on the scene for over a decade longer than Ocasio-Cortez. This latest blunder further illustrates that the ‘Squad’ may be nearing the end of its meteoric rise.
It wasn’t entirely surprising when Ocasio-Cortez’s bid went down in flames. Just a day before the voting, the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee signaled its preference for Connolly—a clear indication that Ocasio-Cortez’s grasp on the leadership position was tenuous at best. With a final tally of 131 votes for Connolly compared to Ocasio-Cortez’s 84, it was evident that her radical approach to governance isn’t exactly winning the hearts and minds of her fellow Democrats.
AOC just lost her race to become ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.
This could be a problem for @AOC, she doesn’t handle rejection well. pic.twitter.com/PD7Lp0DNls
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) December 17, 2024
The long shadow of Nancy Pelosi hovered over this battle for the committee leadership. The former Speaker, who may have been less than thrilled with her outspoken younger counterpart, apparently rallied support for Connolly, urging her colleagues to unite against the progressive challenger. This kind of old-school political maneuvering from Pelosi serves as a stark reminder that, in the world of Washington politics, experience often reigns supreme over youthful zeal.
Ocasio-Cortez’s loss is not just a setback; it symbolizes the shifting tides in the Democratic Party. Once the darling of the left and the face of the “Squad,” her star has dimmed considerably following the Democrats’ disappointing performance in the November elections. As the party struggles to maintain its footing, even some members seem to be distancing themselves from the radical agenda that Ocasio-Cortez embodies. It’s becoming clear that the progressive wing may need to reconsider its methods if it hopes to remain relevant.
While Ocasio-Cortez is likely to bounce back from this defeat, her failings in this high-stakes power struggle reveal significant divisions within the Democratic Party. As they grapple with the implications of their recent electoral losses, it seems the party’s commitment to its more extreme elements may be waning. For conservatives, this serves as a dose of optimism, suggesting that perhaps political moderation and experience are quietly reclaiming ground in a party that was once swept away by the currents of radicalism.
