Overview

• House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar announced a secret‐ballot election on June 24 to replace Gerry Connolly following his May 21 death.
• Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Rep. Robert Garcia represent younger lawmakers who have ramped up direct outreach and media attention to secure support.
• Rep. Stephen Lynch is serving as acting ranking member and Rep. Kweisi Mfume is invoking his seniority and Elijah Cummings’ legacy in their campaigns.
• The winner will be positioned to chair the committee if Democrats regain the House in 2026, overseeing potential investigations into the Trump administration.
• The Oversight Committee wields broad authority over federal government accountability, making its top Democrat a key figure in high-profile hearings and probes.