California congressman wins top spot on House Oversight Committee

(NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Congressman Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) will serve as the Democratic leader on the House Oversight Committee.

The top spot on the Oversight Committee, which is the main investigative panel in the house, became vacant after Congressman Gerald Connolly of Virginia died last month at 75.

Congressman Garcia was up against Congressmen Stephen Lynch and Kweisi Mfume, as well as Congresswoman Jasmine Crocket.

According to members, the secret ballot vote was 150 to 63, and Garcia received a major boost when the Democratic Steering Committee voted to recommend him for the job.

Garcia thanked colleagues who also sought the top job and promised the Democratic side of the committee would be focused on rooting out government corruption and increasing government efficiency.

Before coming to Washington, Garcia made history as the first Latino and first openly gay mayor of Long Beach, California.