Several far-left figures in the media are upset that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez lost her bid to become the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly defeated Ocasio-Cortez in a vote by the Democratic caucus on Tuesday, with Connolly securing 131 votes to Ocasio-Cortez’s 84. The Democratic Steering and Policy Committee had voted for Connolly the day before, by a margin of 34-27.

Progressive figures expressed frustration with the decision. MSNBC’s Joy Reid criticized the Democratic Party for sticking to a “gerontocracy” and consultant class, arguing that they were neglecting their most loyal voters. Progressive YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen also slammed the party for not embracing generational change, while Pod Save America’s Dan Pfeiffer agreed, criticizing Democrats for valuing seniority over political messaging skills.

Despite the criticism, the New Democrat Coalition, which represents the largest caucus of Democrats, supported Connolly for the position. The coalition praised Connolly as a strong communicator and dedicated workhorse, emphasizing his experience and effectiveness in defending Democratic priorities. Rep. Connolly’s long-standing commitment to fighting extremist GOP views and advancing legislation was also highlighted.

According to reports, Ocasio-Cortez’s bid was deliberately undermined by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi reportedly made calls to support Connolly, showcasing her political maneuvering. The tension between Ocasio-Cortez and Pelosi dates back years, with Ocasio-Cortez participating in a 2018 sit-in protest at Pelosi’s office, which sparked ongoing conflict between the two.