High-Ranking Democrat Backstabs AOC, Works To Tank Leadership Bid

Sources familiar with the situation say Pelosi has been “making calls” to Democratic colleagues, actively urging them to support Connolly’s bid over AOC. The move highlights Pelosi’s continued influence within the party and her preference for a seasoned member like Connolly to lead the Democrats on the high-profile panel.

Connolly, who has served in Congress since 2009, is seen as a steady and experienced hand with a more traditional approach to oversight matters. AOC, a vocal progressive and member of “The Squad,” represents a younger, more combative faction of the party, which has often found itself at odds with Pelosi’s leadership style. Interestingly, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has expressed a favorable view of working with AOC, describing her as “very well-spoken” and suggesting that she would be a capable ranking member.

“I want to ask you about AOC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, announcing her bid for the top Democrat spot on your committee. What are your thoughts? Would you like to co-chair with her?” asked CNN host Pamela Brown.

“I’m a big AOC fan,” Comer said. “I — obviously, I don’t agree with very much of her policy, but I think she’s a good person. I think she’s very well-spoken. I did not have a good relationship with Jamie Raskin. I don’t think that’s any secret. I tell the press when they ask about the race for a ranking member, the Democrats have nowhere to go but up after having Jamie Raskin for the last four years. So, I think AOC would be great. Gerry Connolly would be great.”

Comer continued, “I know Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, they have all — their names have been thrown in the hat. But I certainly look forward to working with the next ranking member. And if it’s AOC, I think we will have a good working relationship. We will obviously have a lot of differences on policy, but I think she’s a — I think she’s a good, well-spoken person for the Democrats to serve in that position.”

Based on discussions with twelve members and staffers who spoke with Politico, AOC has garnered the support of most Democrats on the panel. However, the Steering and Policy Committee and the entire caucus make the final decision.

Senior Democrats note that although AOC is viewed as the frontrunner against Rep.Connolly, the contest remains undecided. This struggle emerges as numerous veteran committee leaders, all in their seventies, grapple with fierce challenges from—or are conceding to—younger opponents. “Many members are concerned about [the] precedent these races are setting,” a senior House Democrat revealed to Axios.

According to two House Democrats who are aware of her efforts, Pelosi has been actively contacting colleagues and encouraging them to support Connolly in his race against AOC.