Rep. Gerry Connolly introduced Monday that he’s stepping down from the highly effective Home Oversight Committee as a consequence of a recurrence of his esophageal most cancers, creating a gap for the function “Squad” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unsuccessfully sought final 12 months.
Connolly (D-Va.), 75, who edged out Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for the coveted function in December, revealed that he might be stepping down from the panel’s rating membership “quickly” and gained’t run for re-election in 2026.
“After grueling therapies, we’ve discovered that the most cancers, whereas initially crushed again, has now returned. I’ll do every thing potential to proceed to characterize you and thanks to your grace,” Connolly stated in a press release.
“The solar is setting on my time in public service, and this might be my final time period in Congress. I might be stepping again as Rating Member of the Oversight Committee quickly,” he added. “With no rancor and a full coronary heart, I transfer into this last chapter stuffed with satisfaction in what we’ve achieved collectively over 30 years.”
Connolly, who was first elected to Congress in 2008, initially introduced his most cancers prognosis in November.
Connolly and AOC vied for the highest Democratic spot on the Home Oversight Committee after Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) determined to modify to the Home Judiciary Committee.
Ocasio-Cortez, 35, was Raskin’s No. 2 on the time, however finally Democrats handed over her for Connolly, thanks partly to advocacy from former Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
Exterior progressive teams aggressively lobbied for Ocasio-Cortez, and had been angered when Connolly nabbed the function.
Ocasio-Cortez is not on the Oversight Committee, although fellow “Squad” members Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Summer time Lee of Pennsylvania are.
Privately, Connolly has communicated with Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), the third most-senior Dem on the committee after himself and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) about taking his place, Axios reported.
Different potential contenders for the highest spot embrace Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.).
Changing into the rating member may arrange an formidable Democratic lawmaker to chair the committee ought to the social gathering recapture the Home following the 2026 midterms.
Lately, the Oversight Committee has been utilized by the opposition social gathering to analyze presidential administrations, as when present Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), investigated the Biden household’s abroad enterprise dealings.
Connolly’s announcement follows the deaths final month of two Democratic members — Reps. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) and Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.).
Moreover, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) has been sidelined after struggling “an emergency medical occasion” earlier this month.
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