Latest news with #OversightandGovernmentReformCommittee
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dems tee up House Oversight leadership election
House Democrats are teeing up a caucus election on June 24 to fill the party's top job on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, vacated by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, according to two people granted anonymity to speak freely. The contest to serve as the panel's ranking member — and as a prominent foil to President Donald Trump's administration — is shaping up to be a competitive four-way race that could test Democrats' adherence to their seniority system for committee leadership and appetite to elevate younger members. Reps. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts, Kweisi Mfume of Maryland and Robert Garcia of California are all expected to run for the position. Lawmakers have until this point generally avoided publicly campaigning for the position out of respect for Connolly, whose funeral was held Tuesday. But quiet maneuvering had already begun. Crockett, seen as a rising star in the caucus and a talented communicator, had blanketed her colleagues with texts making her case for the job. Mfume, who is more senior on the panel, had also privately messaged his colleagues about the position. And Garcia, a member of House Democratic leadership, has quietly met with his colleagues, too. Many House Democrats see the race as wide-open after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York opted to forgo a bid to keep her seat on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee. She came up short in last year's contest against Connolly. Candidates for the job this time around will first go before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which will make recommendations to the full caucus. The caucus will then have to vote to ratify the selection.
Politico
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Dems tee up House Oversight leadership election
House Democrats are teeing up a caucus election on June 24 to fill the party's top job on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, vacated by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, according to two people granted anonymity to speak freely. The contest to serve as the panel's ranking member — and as a prominent foil to President Donald Trump's administration — is shaping up to be a competitive four-way race that could test Democrats' adherence to their seniority system for committee leadership and appetite to elevate younger members. Reps. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts, Kweisi Mfume of Maryland and Robert Garcia of California are all expected to run for the position. Lawmakers have until this point generally avoided publicly campaigning for the position out of respect for Connolly, whose funeral was held Tuesday. But quiet maneuvering had already begun. Crockett, seen as a rising star in the caucus and a talented communicator, had blanketed her colleagues with texts making her case for the job. Mfume, who is more senior on the panel, had also privately messaged his colleagues about the position. And Garcia, a member of House Democratic leadership, has quietly met with his colleagues, too. Many House Democrats see the race as wide-open after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York opted to forgo a bid to keep her seat on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee. She came up short in last year's contest against Connolly. Candidates for the job this time around will first go before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which will make recommendations to the full caucus. The caucus will then have to vote to ratify the selection.
NBC News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Rep. Gerry Connolly, top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, dies at 75
WASHINGTON — Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee known for his vocal advocacy of federal workers and his frequent clashes with Republicans during televised hearings, died Wednesday morning, his family said. He was 75. His death comes less than a year after he won a competitive race to become the ranking member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, one of the key panels that are charged with keeping a check on the executive branch. He announced in April that his esophageal cancer had returned despite receiving 'grueling treatments,' and he would not be running for reelection in 2026. 'Gerry lived his life to give back to others and make our community better. He looked out for the disadvantaged and voiceless. He always stood up for what is right and just. He was a skilled statesman on the international stage, an accomplished legislator in Congress, a visionary executive on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, a fierce defender of democracy, an environmental champion, and a mentor to so many,' his family said in a statement announcing his death. 'But more important than his accomplishments in elected office, Gerry lived by the ethos of 'bloom where you are planted.' From the Silver Line to the Oakton Library, Mosaic District to the Cross County Trail and beyond, his legacy now colors our region.' Before elected office, Connolly worked as a Democratic staffer on the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, including for one of its members, then-Sen. Joe Biden. In 1995, Connolly won a seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., and served for 14 years, including the last five as board chairman. When GOP Rep. Tom Davis announced he would not run for reelection in 2008, Connolly jumped into the race to succeed him. Connolly cruised to victory in his primary, and also easily defeated his GOP opponent.
