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 bounce into the race for the celebration’s prime spot on the committee.
“From the Trump administration’s assaults on the rule of regulation, weaponizing the federal government in opposition to its critics, and decimating the providers our constituents depend on–there’s a clear and fast menace to our democracy,” Garcia wrote in a pricey colleague letter. “As residents, patriots, and members of Congress, we should set up, battle again, and defend the ideas of freedom, equality, and justice. I’m prepared to assist lead that battle.”
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 attributable to his battle with most cancers. Connolly died earlier this month.
The race is predicted to be emblematic of Democrats’ broader intraparty debate over generational change.
Garcia, 47, could possibly 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 function. 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 12 months, passed on running 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 previous expertise as mayor and chief government of Lengthy Seaside, Calif. The congressman famous that in that previous function his group used “audits and information to drive reform, launched new know-how to make metropolis providers extra accessible, and modernized how Metropolis Corridor operates.”
“We confirmed that authorities will be each progressive and efficient,” Garcia wrote. “Pushed by values powered by innovation, and at all times working with the folks we serve.”
The Home Democratic Caucus is slated to carry the election for the rating member place on June 24.