Progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York lost her bid for the top Democratic seat on the House Oversight Committee to Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia.
Connolly defeated Ocasio-Cortez by 131 votes to 84, in what is seen as a blow to progressives who support Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the progressive group “Squad.”
“I appreciate the support of my colleagues and the confidence they have placed in me to lead House Democrats on the Oversight Committee,” Connolly said in a statement after being selected by the House Democratic Caucus.
Connolly criticized the “Republican strategy,” accusing the party of exploiting “debunked conspiracy theories” and enabling “the worst abuses of the Trump administration.”
'There are always consequences': Republican rebels plan revolt against Johnson over government shutdown drama
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (New York) lost her bid to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
“This is going to be trench warfare,” Connolly said. “Now is not the time to be cowardly. I promise the American people that our Democratic committee will be a beacon of truth and ready to counter Republican gaslighting from day one.”
FILE – Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly listens at an event in Fairfax, Virginia, Oct. 22, 2020 (AP Photo/Jacqueline Martin, File) (AP Photo/Jacqueline Martin, File)
Top Republican touts 'real motive' behind House Doge's mission ahead of first meeting
Connolly said Democrats will be “disciplined” and “intensely focused” on the food issues affecting Americans.
“We stand up for democracy and truth,” he said. “And we will protect the tremendous and historic progress we have made as House Democrats.”
Click to get the FOX News app
This is breaking news. Check out the latest information.
FOX News' Chad Pergram and Tyler Olson contributed to this report.
