New Jersey Rep. Rob Menendez beat out a crowded field of Democratic lawmakers Wednesday for a coveted spot on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, according to three people familiar with the results granted anonymity to share the unofficial verdict.
The second-term lawmaker bested a field that had originally grown as large as 10 Democrats after eight rounds of voting. Seven slots had been open on the panel, of which six had been doled out Tuesday by the largely leadership-appointed Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. The seventh slot was kicked to an election among the steering committee members.
Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.) won a seat on the committee Tuesday along with Reps. Kevin Mullin of California, Troy Carter of Louisiana, Jennifer McClellan of Virginia, Greg Landsman of Ohio and Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts.
The panel has broad jurisdiction over health care, energy and technology policy and is among the most influential and lobbied in Congress. Chaired by Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), it’s expected to play a significant role in advancing President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda.
