Rep. Gerry Connolly won the top Democratic spot on the Oversight and Accountability Committee, putting him in a visible position to oppose President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda next year, Democratic leaders decided Monday.
Connolly (D-Va.) overcame a challenge from 35-year-old progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) for the job after Oversight Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) bowed out to seek the top spot on the Judiciary Committee. He benefited from the backing of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who has clashed with Ocasio-Cortez, as well as his seniority on the panel. Connolly won the Democratic Steering Committee’s backing, 34-27.
The 74-year-old lawmaker ...