Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) launched a bid for Home Oversight and Authorities Reform Committee rating member on Thursday, turning into the primary Democrat to formally leap into the race for the occasion’s high spot on the committee.
“From the Trump administration’s attacks on the rule of law, weaponizing the government against its critics, and decimating the services our constituents rely upon–there is a clear and immediate threat to our democracy,” Garcia wrote in a “Dear Colleague” letter. “As citizens, patriots, and members of Congress, we must organize, fight back, and defend the principles of freedom, equality, and justice. I’m ready to help lead that fight.”
Garcia’s bid kicks off the race for the committee’s rating member spot after the late Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) stepped again from his each day tasks as rating member earlier this yer as a consequence of his battle with most cancers. Connolly died earlier this month.
The race is anticipated to be emblematic of Democrats’ broader intraparty debate over generational change.
Garcia, 47, might be one of many youngest members working for the place. To this point, Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), 77, and Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), 70, have voiced curiosity within the position. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), 44, has additionally expressed curiosity.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who misplaced her bid for the place to Connolly late final yr, handed on working earlier this month.
A supply acquainted instructed The Hill that Garcia is anchoring his bid on being prepared on day one, in addition to his expertise.
Garcia cited his expertise as mayor and chief govt of Lengthy Seaside, Calif. The congressman famous that in that previous position his staff used “audits and data to drive reform, launched new technology to make city services more accessible, and modernized how City Hall operates.”
“We showed that government can be both progressive and effective,” Garcia wrote. “Driven by values powered by innovation, and always working with the people we serve.”
The Home Democratic Caucus is slated to carry the election for the rating member place on June 24.
