June 2, 2025 Story by: Publisher
This article was updated to include Crockett’s ‘dear colleague” letter to fellow House Democrats.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), a second-term congresswoman and rising star in Democratic politics, has formally entered the race to become the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee — one of the most powerful panels in Congress. The vacancy follows the death of Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), who held the role before his passing in May 2025.
Crockett, who was selected earlier this year as the Vice Ranking Member of the committee, confirmed her intentions in an interview with WFAA, saying she believes she’s the right person to steer the committee through a critical period.
“Ultimately, I am hoping and praying that my colleagues see that I can provide what we need as a team to make sure we can move forward and instill some confidence in the American people by knowing that they have a real fighter who will not back down,” she said.
In a “dear colleague” letter to fellow House Democrats, Crockett leaned into her profile as a high-profile brawler adept at garnering media attention.
“Every hearing, every investigation, every public moment must serve the dual purpose of accountability and must demonstrate why a House Democratic majority is essential for America’s future,” she wrote. “As Ranking Member, I will elevate each of our members and
coordinate our efforts with leadership as we gear up to retake the House Majority.”
A Legal Mind at the Center of National Oversight
Crockett was first elected to Congress in 2022 and represents Texas’s 30th Congressional District, a historically Black, Dallas-based seat previously held by the late Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson. Prior to her congressional career, she served in the Texas House of Representatives and built a reputation as a skilled civil rights attorney.
In January 2025, House Democratic leadership appointed Crockett as Vice Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee, a move that elevated her national profile and placed her at the forefront of several high-stakes hearings, including Republican-led investigations into President Joe Biden and his family.
“We need someone who’s focused on the facts, the law, and the Constitution,” Crockett said during a committee hearing in April 2025. “Not someone chasing headlines.”
Competitive Field Reflects Broader Party Shifts
Crockett’s candidacy will be considered alongside others who have expressed interest in the role:
- Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), a senior member of the committee with deep institutional knowledge, officially launched his bid on May 30.
- Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), another second-term lawmaker, is also seeking the position, emphasizing a new generation of leadership.
- Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), a senior Black lawmaker and former NAACP president, is considered a strong contender who could unify multiple wings of the caucus.
The Democratic Steering and Policy Committee will hear presentations from each candidate ahead of a full caucus vote, expected on June 24.
Oversight’s Central Role and What’s at Stake
The House Oversight and Accountability Committee oversees the operations of the federal government, with authority to investigate misconduct, mismanagement, and corruption. In recent years, it has taken center stage in partisan disputes over pandemic spending, impeachment inquiries, and federal agency oversight.
If elected, Crockett would be one of the youngest and newest Democrats ever to lead a major House committee. Her elevation would also represent a broader generational shift in the Democratic caucus — one that reflects growing support for new voices and perspectives in leadership.
“She’s sharp, fearless, and legally precise,” said one Democratic aide familiar with the committee’s workings. “Whether or not she gets the role this round, Crockett’s future is undeniable.”
A Measured Fighter with Growing Support
Crockett has earned praise for combining legal precision with rhetorical agility, often countering disinformation and partisan attacks in committee hearings. She has also gained a following for her clarity and composure during some of the most contentious moments in the Oversight Committee this term.
As the vote nears, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, younger progressives, and legal-minded centrists are watching closely to see whether the Democratic leadership will lean on institutional experience or make room for emerging figures like Crockett.
Source: Crockett.House.gov/ GBH News / Politico / WFAA
