John King: Lynch Is Not The Favorite For Chair Of Oversight And Reform Committee

Members Of Congress Call For Release Of Intelligence Findings On 9/11 Attacks — U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), right, with U.S. Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC), speaks during a press conference on U.S. House bill H.R. 428 in the Cannon House Office Building on March 12, 2014 in Washington, DC.

Arjun Singh is a producer for Boston Public Radio. A California native, Arjun moved to Boston to study international relations at Boston University. Prior to working at WGBH, Arjun worked at a tech company and for a political campaign.

October 30, 2019

Updated August 07, 2023

On Monday, Rep. Stephen Lynch said he intends to run for the chairmanship of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. If successful, Lynch would be one of only three members of the House with the ability to unilaterally subpoena someone, and would have a prominent role in the House's’ impeachment probe into President Donald Trump.

The leadership position was previously held by Rep. Elijah Cummings, who died earlier this month.

During an appearance on Boston Public Radio, John King, CNN’s chief national political correspondent, said that while Lynch is viewed favorably by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, his moderate leanings may be a liability in the race.

“The Democratic caucus right now is more and more controlled by liberal members and more of the diverse members, and Steve Lynch is neither among the most liberal or most diverse members,” King said. “I would not think that Steve Lynch today is a favorite for the job, but there are several candidates, and so it’s one of those uncertain things.”

Lynch is the second person to officially announce his intention to run for the chairmanship. On Oct. 23, Rep. Jackie Speier of California told The Hill that she is running for the position.