Jun 3, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Jasmine Crockett runs to be top Democrat on Oversight

Andrew Solender

Rep. Jasmine Crockett wearing a light blue sweater and glasses and speaking at a podium. — Rep. Jasmine Crockett speaks at a House Oversight Committee hearing on June 11, 2024. Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Court Accountability

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) on Tuesday became the latest Democrat to enter the increasingly crowded race to become ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.

Why it matters: The 44-year-old's entry adds fuel to an already heated inter-generational battle over who should lead Democrats on key committees.

Interim ranking member Stephen Lynch (D-Va.), 70, is running, as are Reps. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), 47, and Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), 76.
The seat became vacant last month following the death of 75-year-old Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) from esophageal cancer.

Driving the news: In a "dear colleague" letter to fellow House Democrats, Crockett leaned into her profile as a high-profile brawler adept at garnering media attention.

"Every hearing, every investigation, every public moment must serve the dual purpose of accountability and must demonstrate why a House Democratic majority is essential for America's future," she wrote.
"As Ranking Member, I will elevate each of our members and
coordinate our efforts with leadership as we gear up to retake the House Majority."

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Jasmine Crockett runs to be top Democrat on Oversight

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