Congress

Rep. Robert Garcia Wins Top Oversight Job for Democrats

Garcia won despite a Democratic tradition of choosing the most senior lawmaker.

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Rep. Robert Garcia speaks during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol. Bill Clark/AP

By Riley Rogerson

June 24, 2025 10:43 AM

In a race that was largely a referendum on the role of seniority in Democratic politics, Rep. Robert Garcia, a 47-year-old sophomore lawmaker, won.

Garcia clinched the top Democratic job on the Oversight Committee during a closed-door caucus meeting Tuesday morning. He beat septuagenarian veteran Reps. Stephen Lynch and Kweisi Mfume as well as fellow second-term Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

Mfume and Crockett dropped out before the race. Garcia beat Lynch 150-63.