Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) faced a surprising setback on Monday, finishing last in the race to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee and subsequently withdrawing her candidacy. In a video posted after the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee vote, Crockett admitted, “I placed last in the recommendation from steering policy. And so with that, I am not going to be playing full caucus for a vote tomorrow.” She attributed her loss to “recent questions about something that just wasn’t true,” though she offered no further details. Crockett expressed a resigned tone, repeating, “It just kind of is what it is,” as she announced her withdrawal.
Crockett had officially launched her campaign on June 3 with a passionate statement condemning the Trump administration and promising fierce resistance if elected. Despite her strong social media presence and reputation as a rising progressive voice, she failed to gain the backing of her colleagues. The Oversight Committee, a key panel responsible for government scrutiny, especially if Republicans lose the House in 2026, instead chose Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) as the new ranking member following the death of Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA). Garcia, known for his measured approach and support from senior Democrats, defeated Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) in the final vote. Crockett’s defeat marks her second unsuccessful bid for a leadership role, following a loss in November for chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, highlighting the ongoing challenges younger Democrats face in breaking into House leadership as the party navigates internal shifts and debates over its future direction.
