Rep. Jasmine Crockett is telling fellow House Democrats she plans to run for her party’s Oversight Committee slot, plowing ahead with a bid after wavering last week, according to a text to lawmakers obtained by POLITICO.
“I believe in deference & frankly, the institution, but I recognize that the walls of this institution are collapsing around us and we are living in EXTRAORDINARY times, which call for an extraordinary response which is why I will seek the position of ranker for the Committee on Oversight & Government Reform,” the Texas Democrat wrote to lawmakers. “I am asking for your consideration because I possess the merit to serve in THIS moment.”
Crockett told POLITICO last week she was rethinking whether to seek the top job after Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) ramped up his own quiet outreach for the position. She cited seniority concerns and the potential that the Congressional Black Caucus could be divided.
Mfume is also reaching out to colleagues about his interest in the slot. In those messages, he invoked late Oversight Chair Elijah Cummings, a civil rights legend and fellow Baltimorean who led the committee during President Donald Trump’s first term, according to a copy of the message obtained by POLITICO.
