A trio of House Democrats won preliminary votes Monday to be the next ranking member on their committees, but the fight over those coveted top slots might not yet be over.
The roles are considered crucial in pushing back against Republicans next year as the GOP seek to unwind major Democratic accomplishments, especially on environment and climate policies. The full Democratic caucus is expected to vote for their new committee leaders Tuesday.
On Natural Resources, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) got the nod over Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.). On Agriculture, Rep. Angie Craig bested Reps. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and current ranking member David Scott (D-Ga.). On Oversight and Accountability, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) won out over challenger Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
Huffman got a resounding 44-17 preliminary vote before the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which recommended him for the role to succeed current top Democrat Raúl Grijalva of Arizona. Grijalva exited the race following Huffman’s challenge and mounting health challenges caused by a cancer battle.
