Younger Democrats are challenging senior members for committee jobs
A growing band of younger House Democrats is challenging senior members for powerful congressional posts.
WASHINGTON — With Donald Trump heading back to the White House, a growing band of younger, more energetic House Democrats is challenging seasoned veterans for powerful congressional posts, upending the party’s long-standing practice of deference to seniority.
Democrats, who will elect their committee leaders next week behind closed doors, are closely watching the high-profile race to be the Oversight Committee’s top Democrat as a litmus test about the future of seniority in the party.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., a 35-year-old member of the progressive “squad” who is often mentioned as a future presidential hopeful, is taking on a more senior colleague, Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., 74, who is battling esophageal cancer and was just elected to his ninth term.
“If she wins, it’s the end of seniority,” said a House Democrat who has served decades in Congress.
Some powerful committee leaders have already stepped aside amid challenges from relatively younger upstarts. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., 61, the Oversight Committee’s top Democrat this Congress, announced he would challenge Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., 77, the former chairman and incumbent ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, forcing Nadler out of the race. (Raskin has served in the House since 2017, while Nadler entered Congress in 1992.) That cleared the way for Raskin to become the Democratic leader on Judiciary and created the opening on Oversight.
Rating: 5