Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez signaled she’s eyeing a powerful position on Capitol Hill amid speculation she may have her sights set on a bid for the White House in the future.
The progressive New York lawmaker said that she is considering a run to be the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.
It comes as several Democrats have jumped in the fight to lead the resistance in key committee leadership positions, but AOC would be one of the youngest and most high profile lawmakers to throw her name in the ring.
Ocasio-Cortez, 35, is currently the vice ranking member on the House Oversight Committee where she has made a name for herself for her tough grilling of witnesses and fiery remarks during hearings.
She also has an expansive online following which has helped her activities carry weight outside Washington.
Democrats are facing a tough road ahead in the new year when Republicans will hold a trifecta by maintaining the House, flipping control in the Senate and Donald Trump reenters the White House.
As her party prepares for a fight, some younger members are zeroing in on top jobs as the Democrats grapple with ushering in a new generation of younger leadership.
If she does mount a bid to be the top Democrat on the committee, it could be the latest in a series of battles within the Democratic part for top committee posts.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is considering a bid for House Oversight Committee ranking member
Congressman Gerry Connolly of Virginia has already launched his own bid to take the number one position on the House Oversight Committee.
It remains to be seen whether others also enter the race, but Democratic House leadership is staying out of the fray.
The congresswoman told reporters this week that she is ‘interested’ in the position and was having conversations with colleagues.
Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who is the current ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, is looking to be the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.
The current ranking member on that committee Jerry Nadler of New York wrote to colleagues on Wednesday that he will not run to remain in the top job in the next Congress and was backing Raskin for the post.
The move is likely to allow Democrats to avoid at least one fight for a top committee position.
‘I am honored and humbled to have his support in the battles ahead,’ Raskin responded to Nadler’s endorsement on X.
House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin is looking to become the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee in the new Congress
Congressman Gerry Connelly (D-Va.) launched a bid to be ranking member on the House Oversight Committee earlier this month
AOC speaking during a House Oversight Committee hearing in September 2023
AOC’s interest in the top House Oversight Committee job comes amid speculation over her plans for 2028 when Democrats will once again have an opportunity to retake the White House.
Some Democrats have suggested the New York congresswoman and Squad member should run.
AOC, who turned 35 in October would be eligible to run as she meets the age requirement to seek the most powerful job in the world.
Earlier this year, the congresswoman was a prominent Democrat on the campaign trail helping other party members including Vice President Kamala Harris in battleground states.
While some have praised the idea of her mounting a bid for the White House, Ocasio-Cortez has not made any indication on her own that she will run in the upcoming election.
If she does, she is likely to face a crowded field as Democrats look to regroup have the brutal results of the 2024 election.
But AOC does have one advantage at this early stage: name recognition.
The congresswoman has a massive social media following across multiple platforms including Bluesky where millions of Democrats have flocked from X following the 2024 election.
AOC became the first person on the social media platform to reach one million followers.
