Dems in Disarray: Raskin Challenging Nadler for Ranking Member Position on House Judiciary Committee
TownhallDec 01
Nadler Steps Aside, Backs Raskin for House Judiciary Leadership
Above: Rep. Jerry Nadler. Image copyright: Tasos Katopodis/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) on Wednesday announced his withdrawal from the House Judiciary Committee ranking member position for the 119th Congress, endorsing Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) as his successor.
Nadler, a 17-term congressman who has served since 1992, has held the top position on the judiciary panel since 2019 and played significant roles in the impeachments of Pres.-elect Donald Trump in 2019 and 2021.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Democrats haven't historically broken from the seniority system for doling out committee assignments but the results of the 2024 election show that it's time for some major changes to how the party operates. Facing a Republican president, as well as GOP majorities in both congressional chambers, Democrats must put forth a united front and this is a major step in the right direction.
Republican narrative
This move isn't a sign of Democratic unity; it shows just how much the party is in disarray since getting wiped out in this fall's elections. It's not exactly a move toward new blood when 84–year-old Nancy Pelosi is the one pulling the strings and every major player in the party is so transfixed on stopping Trump from doing what the people have elected him to do.