Garcia Joins Generational Fight Among House Democrats

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/29/us/house-oversight-democrats.html

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Three House Democrats formally told colleagues on Thursday that they were running to become the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, intensifying a generational battle over a critical post as younger members agitate for more power.

Representative Robert Garcia of California, 47, told lawmakers on Thursday that he would seek the position, a prominent role that has been vacant since Representative Gerald E. Connolly of Virginia died last week at 75. Mr. Connolly stepped back from the position last month as his cancer progressed.

He was quickly joined by two more senior members: Representatives Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts, 70, who had assumed Mr. Connolly’s duties after he stepped aside; and Kweisi Mfume of Maryland, 76, who had told colleagues earlier this month that he wanted the position.

Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas, 44, the No. 2 Democrat on the committee who has gained prominence for her pugilistic remarks at hearings, has also said this week that she planned to seek the top post.

Democrats plan to hold an internal election for the position on June 24. The contest is unfolding as the party reappraises its identity following painful electoral losses in November and considers whether it is time for older members to relinquish power to a younger generation.

A book released this month has revived conversations over whether Democrats were too quick to shut down skepticism about former President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s age and mental acuity as he ran for re-election. David Hogg, 25, a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, faced an internal firestorm after he announced he’d support an effort to oust older incumbents in favor of younger progressives.