Rep. Robert Garcia is the latest Democrat to announce his intention to become the next ranking member in the House Oversight Committee in what is being described as a proxy in the party's generational battle.
Axios reported on Thursday that Garcia wrote a letter to colleagues saying the party needs to "organize" and "fight back" against the Trump administration. "I'm ready to help lead that fight" and "ensure we hold those in power accountable and protect democracy for the next generation," he added.
The lawmaker backed his claim citing his time as mayor of Long Beach, in California, where he "used audits and data to drive reform, launched new technology to make city services more accessible, and modernized how City Hall operates."
The announcement follows that of fellow lawmaker Jasmine Crockett, who said this weekend she will also seek the post.
Speaking to MSNBC, Crockett said "there ill have to be an election to determine who is going to lead the Oversight Committee" and "ultimately I'm hoping and praying that my colleagues see I can provide what we need as a team to make sure we can move forward and instill some confidence in the American people.
The race follows the death of Rep. Gerry Connolly, who had stepped down from his post in late April after announcing his cancer had returned. There was speculation that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) could run to lead the committee after failing to beat Connolly for the post last year.
However, the lawmaker said she won't seek the post as she believes she would again face long odds against a more senior member of the party. "It's actually clear to me that the underlying dynamics in the caucus have not shifted with respect to seniority as much as I think would be necessary, and so I believe I'll be staying put at Energy and Commerce," the lawmaker told reporters in early May, referring to the post she did get on that committee.
Rep. Stephen Lynch, the third most senior member on the panel, has been replacing Connolly on an interim basis. He said he will run for the post and that Connolly endorsed him.
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