WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett officially announced that she is running to serve as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
In a formal letter to colleagues of the Democratic Caucus, Congresswoman Crockett wrote:
Dear Colleague,
I write today with a heavy heart, but a clear purpose, as we continue to mourn the loss of our colleague & friend, Gerry Connolly. My thoughts, prayers, and sympathies remain with his family, and all of you, during this time of bereavement. Since the start of the 119th Congress, the late ranking member, Gerry Connolly, led Oversight Democrats in the fight to hold the Trump Administration accountable and it was my distinct privilege and absolute honor to serve alongside him as the Vice Ranking Member.
In this moment, Americans are demanding a more strategic, aggressive, and energetic fight. Understanding that fierce urgency, I formally announce my candidacy for Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform—with a focus on standing up for American families, defending the Constitution and the rule of law, and ensuring the government serves the people, not the privileged few.
Our country is in an existential crisis driven by an out-of-control Executive with a flagrant disregard for our Constitution, our way of governance, and our very way of life as citizens of a democratic republic. The Administration has refused to respect congressional authority, abide by lawful judicial orders, or respond to public outrage. The magnitude of these unprecedented times warrants a resistance and tactics never before seen. We must pull back the curtain on the unmitigated chaos under Trump 2.0 and translate our findings to the American people in a way they can digest.
My Background
As a young girl, I grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri, raised by my working mother and preaching father. My mother has been a federal employee for almost 40 years and has dedicated her entire professional life to the United States Government, from the U.S. Postal Service to Department of Treasury and the Department of Defense, my mother has served with honor and fidelity. Protecting federal workers isn’t just part of the job description; it’s personal.
I left Saint Louis to attend college in Memphis, Tennessee, with dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist. While in college, I experienced my first dose of discrimination up close and personal, leading me to change course and enroll in law school in Texas. Inspired by the civil rights attorneys who came to my aid in Memphis, I pursued justice as my profession. When the public defender’s office opened, I left my first legal job at a civil litigation firm to work in the criminal defense arena.
My first run for public office came at the age of 28 years old when I ran for Bowie County District Attorney. Although I came up a few votes short, I went on to become the elected Bowie County Democratic Party Chair in rural East Texas, where I focused on building party infrastructure and recruiting precinct chairs and candidates up and down the ballot. Soon after that election, I started my own law firm. A few years later, I opened a second location in Dallas and focused on civil rights, criminal defense, and personal injury law. My practice has always centered around the vulnerable, the disenfranchised, and the underdog. And that’s the same sentiment I bring to public office.
A decade after my initial run for public office, I ran for Texas State Representative and won in the closest state house race in the entire state. It was during my service in the state legislature that a congressional giant first took notice of me. The late Chairwoman, Eddie Bernice Johnson, after more than 30 years in Congress, entrusted me to carry forward her legacy of building a fairer, more inclusive America.
And just as the Honorable Elijah Cummings tapped former Ranking Member Jamie Raskin to serve on Oversight, Ranking Member Raskin also tapped me to become a member. From the moment I entered Congress, I did so with deep gratitude for those that paved the way and those that continue to pour into me.
As a public defender, civil rights and criminal defense attorney, State Representative, and now Member of Congress, I have spent over two decades fighting for justice and equity. Whether participating in investigations into Governor Abbott’s “Operation Lone Star,” which evaluated state border policies, or initiating them as it relates to the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee’s failure to assess post-abortion ban related deaths, or representing thousands of Texans in court—I have demonstrated a strong ability to conduct fact-based, rigorous oversight that holds the powerful accountable.
Moving Forward Together
My leadership philosophy has always been centered squarely and solely on getting the job done— no task is too big, no task is too small, as long as the People benefit. And if ultimately the People benefit, then does it really matter who gets credit for the work getting done? But recently, I’ve given this maxim a lot of thought. I’ve considered if that mindset continues to be of service today because no longer can it be the case that as Democrats we continue to go above and beyond to get back-breaking work done, yet receive no credit.
Former President Joe Biden lowered inflation and unemployment—he steered us clear from a recession that most believed to be all but inevitable, and saved the world economy. Yet, Joe Biden was attacked for the price of eggs. It was Congressional Democrats, under the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who delivered COVID relief to the American people. Yet it is Trump’s signature on those checks that has been imprinted into the American memory. It is the Democrats who have fought tooth and nail to protect SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security for the working class—yet we’re the ones labeled as “out of touch elites.” This cannot be allowed to continue. House Democrats, especially while serving in the minority party, remain liberty’s last line of defense. We have an obligation to fight and a duty to win.
From the pulpit of the Oversight Committee, the Ranking Member must lay out our case against Trump 2.0 and his accomplices, the Republicans in the House, and discharge this message across the nation. The Ranking Member must succinctly summarize the most salient points of our evidence. It is paramount that the Ranking Member be ready to rapidly respond to the opposition’s arguments and rebuttals in a manner that does not play into their hand but renders the opposition’s tactics ineffective. Our work cannot be solely reactive. We must also be strategic in laying the groundwork to win back the House majority. Every hearing, every investigation, every public moment must serve the dual purpose of accountability and must demonstrate why a House Democratic majority is essential for America’s future.
Each of the members who serve with me on the Oversight Committee is talented and has their own personal connections to the work we do. As Ranking Member, I will elevate each of our members and coordinate our efforts with leadership as we gear up to retake the House Majority.
I know that a rising tide lifts all boats and that is why I have consistently hit the campaign trail to do more than 100 events across this great nation for others, raised over $4 million for DCCC, and supported more than 74 candidates directly. Additionally, I was the 7th highest fundraising House Democrat for the first quarter of this year. I am not only ready to meet the moment, but I am prepared to bring home wins for our Caucus, this great country, and the world.
My Commitments to You:
Should you honor me with your trust and support, I pledge to you the following commitments:
• Upholding the Constitution and Defending the Rule of Law: The Constitution is not a suggestion—it is the foundation of our democracy. Yet, we have witnessed unprecedented efforts to erode it. The Trump Administration continues to show blatant disregard for the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the principles that guide our country. As Ranking Member, I will work tirelessly to ensure that this Administration is held accountable, and that congressional oversight remains a powerful check on the Executive Branch. Field shadow hearings will be an effective tool to use. Because no one—not even the president—is above the law.
• Keeping the American People Front and Center: Oversight is not just about politics—it’s about people. From rising costs to an impending recession, American families are facing real challenges. While the current Administration governs by chaos and cruelty, House Democrats must be relentless in shedding light on the failed policies that are harming everyday Americans. I will ensure that our hearings, investigations, markups, roundtables, etc., are used to elevate the voices and struggles of working people across this country.
• Protecting and Promoting a Strong Federal Workforce: Federal workers are the backbone of our government. They play a critical role in ensuring the safety of our food, medicine, and transportation; securing public safety and national security; delivering our mail; supporting our education and healthcare systems; ensuring that veterans receive the benefits and care they have earned; and much more. A strong, apolitical civil service is essential to the fair and effective delivery of government services. I will prioritize protecting federal workers from political interference, intimidation, and retaliation.
• In The Majority: I will work with Speaker Jeffries, the rest of leadership, the Committee, & members at large to ensure that, in real time, we are in sync. This would include hosting listening sessions so that our committee is aware of what members are hearing in their districts as well as making our committee website more interactive for members and the community.
Our Democratic Caucus represents the beautiful diversity of America itself—spanning generations, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that make our party strongest when we stand united. The House Oversight Committee can be a powerful tool for accountability, transparency, and ultimately, for winning back the trust of the American people. But, it will only be as strong as the unity and shared purpose we bring to it.
I respectfully ask for your support and your vote. More importantly, I ask for your partnership in the critical work ahead. Together, we can fulfill our constitutional duties, stand up for the American people, and build the foundation for a Democratic House majority that truly serves all Americans.
_______________________
Jasmine Crockett
Vice Ranking Member
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
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