Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s bid for the ranking membership of the House Oversight Committee has hit a wall—a wall quietly, yet firmly, reinforced by the influence of none other than former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Ocasio-Cortez’s defeat at the hands of Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) underscores a larger, ongoing tension within the Democratic Party: the establishment’s efforts to rein in the Squad.
On Monday, the House Democrats' Steering and Policy Committee recommended Connolly for the influential role by a narrow vote of 34 to 27, a result that speaks volumes. While AOC has a powerful following and a media spotlight that never seems to dim, Connolly’s selection is a stark reminder that seniority, alliances, and party discipline still carry weight in the halls of Congress. For Pelosi and the leadership class, keeping the Democratic ship steady means ensuring that power doesn’t swing too far left—something they’ve managed to do time and time again despite the Squad’s rise.
Ocasio-Cortez on tomorrow’s vote: I feel good. I'm locked in. I just got to work
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 17, 2024
AOC’s reaction to the vote, however, was telling. Rather than backing down, she announced her intent to contest Connolly’s nomination when it goes before the full Democratic caucus. It’s an uphill battle, to say the least. The full caucus rarely bucks the Steering Committee’s recommendations, and Connolly’s experience and leadership credentials make him a safe, consensus pick for House Democrats. Still, AOC’s persistence reflects her determination to carve out more influence within the party’s hierarchy—something that has often put her at odds with leadership.
This latest development raises an intriguing question: Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez starting to play nice? There are growing reports that AOC has softened her approach when it comes to primary challenges against fellow Democrats. Historically, she’s been unafraid to endorse progressive insurgents against incumbents, much to the irritation of party leaders like Pelosi. If these reports are accurate, it may signal a strategic recalibration. Perhaps AOC recognizes that her power can’t come solely from outside pressure; she’ll need allies within the establishment if she wants to continue her climb.
Rep. Gerry Connolly wins initial vote for Oversight Committee ranking member, edging out Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 34-27 pic.twitter.com/sB4agTHcWq
— NewsWire (@NewsWire_US) December 16, 2024
But make no mistake—Pelosi’s shadow looms large here. The former Speaker has long been a master of internal party control, working behind the scenes to contain the Squad’s influence and ensure that moderates don’t feel alienated. Whether it’s sidelining committee appointments, quietly supporting rivals, or delivering the occasional public jab, Pelosi has maintained a steady hand in managing the balance of power within the party. AOC’s failure to clinch this role likely wasn’t a coincidence.
For now, Gerry Connolly’s win represents a victory for Democratic leadership and the party’s moderates. Connolly, a steady hand with decades of political experience, offers stability on a committee that will be central to holding the Republican-controlled House accountable. As for AOC, this defeat is a reminder that influence in Congress is a slow, hard-earned game—one that’s rarely won by media buzz or grassroots enthusiasm alone.
NEWS - Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez privately signaled to Democrats that she might no longer back congressional primary challenges to her colleagues, according to three people familiar with the situation.https://t.co/PC9XeszO5s
— Nicholas Wu (@nicholaswu12) December 16, 2024