Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett has officially launched her bid to become the top Democrat on the powerful House Oversight Committee, joining a growing field of contenders vying to succeed the late Rep. Gerry Connolly. Crockett, who is serving her second term in Congress, announced her candidacy in a letter to Democratic colleagues, framing the contest as a critical moment for the party as it confronts the possibility of a second Trump presidency.
“Our country is in an existential crisis driven by an out-of-control Executive,” Crockett wrote, referencing former President Donald Trump. “We must pull back the curtain on the unmitigated chaos under Trump 2.0 and translate our findings to the American people.”
Crockett becomes the fourth Democrat to enter the race, joining Reps. Robert Garcia (CA), Stephen Lynch (MA), and Kweisi Mfume (MD). The vacancy, triggered by Connolly’s recent death, has sparked a competitive and generationally diverse race ahead of the Democratic caucus’s secret-ballot vote on June 24.
At 44, Crockett is one of the youngest contenders and has quickly risen within the Democratic ranks, known for her sharp questioning during Oversight hearings and her viral moments that have energized the party base. While she previously lost a bid to lead the caucus’ messaging arm, Crockett has remained a visible figure in Democratic leadership circles.
She emphasized the importance of proactive messaging and holding Trump-aligned Republicans accountable. “From the pulpit of the Oversight Committee, the Ranking Member must lay out our case against Trump 2.0 and his accomplices,” she wrote.
The race has also reopened debates within the caucus over seniority and age. Lynch, 70, is serving as interim ranking member. Garcia, 47, has leaned on his leadership experience as a former mayor, while Mfume, 76, has pointed to his work chairing a key Oversight subcommittee.
Crockett, the daughter of a federal worker from St. Louis, cited her roots and her vice-ranking position on the committee as qualifications. She also praised President Joe Biden’s economic leadership, drawing a contrast with Republican critiques of the president’s age and record.
