Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has officially taken herself out of the running for a top leadership role on the House Oversight Committee, putting to rest speculation about her next political move—at least for now.
The announcement came after fellow Democrat Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) stepped down from the committee’s top spot due to a cancer recurrence. Ocasio-Cortez had initially downplayed the idea, saying there wasn’t an open spot to run for, but later hinted she might consider it. On Monday, she confirmed she’s not pursuing the role, citing the Democratic caucus’s continued emphasis on seniority.
“I don’t believe the caucus dynamics have changed enough on that front,” she explained. “So I’ll continue focusing on my work with the Energy and Commerce Committee.”
To take the Oversight role, Ocasio-Cortez would have needed a special waiver since her current position on the exclusive Energy and Commerce Committee limits her from serving on additional panels under House rules.
Her decision comes at a time when younger House Democrats are pushing to shake up leadership, especially after the 2024 elections. Many feel it’s time for fresh voices at the top. Only one younger lawmaker, Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), managed to secure a new leadership role last year, now serving as the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee—even while she campaigns for a Senate seat.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) is the current ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee, stepping in after the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva withdrew from the race.
Ocasio-Cortez’s decision not to seek the Oversight position hasn’t stopped rumors about her future. With a massive $10 million campaign fund, she’s seen as a potential contender for higher office—possibly even a presidential run or a primary challenge against longtime Senate leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
According to a recent poll by Data for Progress, Ocasio-Cortez holds a strong lead over Schumer in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary. The survey, conducted in late March, found 55% of likely Democratic voters in New York would support her over Schumer’s 36%.
Among Democrats polled, Schumer had one of the highest disapproval ratings, while Ocasio-Cortez ranked as one of the most popular figures—trailing only behind Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Elizabeth Warren.