Washington – A group of House Democrats are trying to oust some of their aging committee leaders after the party's disappointing defeat in the November elections, which would give Republicans control of the White House and Congress in January.
Democrats are trying to replace experienced members of at least three key panels in the next Congress — the House Judiciary Committee, the House Agriculture Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee — with younger leaders. Candidates for the positions have stressed the need to be able to effectively counter President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.
The effort comes amid years of pressure by older leaders within the Democratic Party to pass the torch to a younger generation and with some blaming President Biden, 82, for pulling out of the 2024 campaign.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who turns 62 next week, is vying for the top job on the Judiciary Committee, replacing longtime leader Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York. The 77-year-old has been the top Democrat on the committee since 2017.
Raskin said in a letter to colleagues, “Each of us must consider strongly—and decide in close consultation with colleagues and leadership—where we individually can be most effective in the fight to regain a majority in Congress. that can promote national progress.”
If Raskin's challenge is successful, there will be a vacancy on the House Oversight Committee. Raskin is currently the panel's top Democrat and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 35, of New York is seen as her potential replacement.
California Rep. Jim Costa and Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig are both vying for the top spot on the House Agriculture Committee, which would oust Rep. David Scott of Georgia, who is in his 80s and has multiple serious health issues. has suffered. issues.
Costa, who is 72, and Craig, who is 52, sent letters to their colleagues this week announcing their candidacies for the plum assignment. Costa said Democrats needed a leader who would “bring a strong Democratic message back to rural America.” Craig supported her margin of victory in a competitive district, noting that she won by 13.5% this election cycle.
She wrote, “I am most proud that I did better in most of my rural areas and townships. I come to everyone and listen to them, whether they agree with me or not.”
The top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, Representative Raul Grijalva of Arizona, said he will not seek the position again next year after being challenged by Representative Jared Huffman of California. Grijalva, 76, is battling lung cancer.
“House Democrats stand as the most important bulwark against the coming attacks on our fundamental rights, democratic institutions, public lands, frontline and indigenous communities, and the livability of our planet,” Huffman, 60, wrote. He further stated that “effective committee work took the lead.” Our ranking members will be critical to limiting the damage caused by Trump's agenda and enabling Democrats to regain the majority in two years.
