Dem Lawmaker Who Defeated AOC To Lead Oversight Panel Promises ‘Trench Warfare’ Against Republicans

The Democratic lawmaker who quashed New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s bid to serve in a prominent House Democratic leadership role is promising to wage “trench warfare” against Republicans.

Democratic Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, 74, narrowly defeated Ocasio-Cortez, 35, to serve as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee during a conference-wide vote of 131-84 among House Democrats Tuesday afternoon. Connolly is planning to launch a comprehensive attack against President-elect Donald Trump and congressional Republicans’ agenda over the next two years, according to a statement the Virginia Democrat released following his victory.

“We know what the Republican playbook will be,” Connolly wrote in a statement. “We’ve seen it before. They have demonstrated that they are willing to traffic in debunked conspiracy theories and enable the worst abuses of the Trump administration.” (RELATED: ‘Onslaught Of Attacks’: House Dems Push To Oust Aging Committee Leaders Following Election Defeat)

“This will be trench warfare,” Connolly added. “Now is not the time to be timid. I promise the American people that our Committee Democrats will be a beacon of truth and prepared from Day One to counter Republican gaslighting. We will be disciplined. We will be laser focused in getting results on the kitchen table issues that affect the American people the most. We will stand up for our democracy and for truth. And we will protect the tremendous and historic progress we have made as House Democrats.”

Connolly also reportedly bested Ocasio Cortez 34-27 during a previous vote among House Democrats’ Steering and Policy Committee Monday. The committee plays an outsized role in deciding which Democratic lawmakers win leadership roles.