It appears that Vice President Kamala Harris’ mantra, “We Will Not Go Back,” may have merely been a catchy political phrase. Within their own ranks, Democrats seem intent on repeating their usual patterns, even after suffering electoral losses.

Recently, centrist Rep. Gerry Connolly from Virginia triumphed over Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York for a key position in the House Oversight and Accountability Committee during a private caucus meeting. This outcome is disappointing as it signals that Democrats are more invested in preserving the status quo instead of pushing the party forward.

This moment presented an opportunity to spotlight fresh leadership, someone dynamic, and well-positioned to represent the future of the party. Instead, it reflects a retreat back to the past.

AOC’s loss highlights Democrats’ reluctance to move forward

Connolly’s victory is being portrayed as well-deserved due to his lengthy tenure on the committee. After 15 years and two failed attempts for the ranking member position, he is now deemed ready to lead at 74 years old.

However, this outcome wasn’t entirely expected. According to Politico, a majority of the Oversight panel’s Democrats backed Ocasio-Cortez, who is 35.

Meanwhile, Connolly had the backing of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who allegedly lobbied on his behalf to party members.

While Connolly may manage well enough, I don’t consider him an inspiring choice nor do I believe he helps shape the party’s vision for the future.

By sidelining Ocasio-Cortez for this leading role, Democrats are signaling their preference for centrist ideals over empowering younger, more progressive figures in the party.

Remember how they leaned on President Joe Biden at the beginning of the presidential campaign, only to shift focus toward the party’s future right before the election, about 100 days out?

How did that turn out for them?

Democrats appear to be shunning progressives

In light of how some Democrats have dismissed progressive voices following the election, Ocasio-Cortez’s defeat for the committee leadership is not too surprising. Several party members seem inclined to blame progressive ideals instead of addressing the party’s broader issues with voter appeal and messaging around the economy.

“The Democrats must cease indulging the far left,” Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., remarked to The New York Times following Harris’ defeat. “I believe in inclusion, but I don’t agree with biological males competing in female sports.”

I’m not certain what campaign Suozzi was observing; from my view, there was no pandering evident.

Harris ran a relatively conservative campaign. She seldom addressed trans issues unless prompted by Fox News host Bret Baier during an interview. She refrained from criticizing Biden, an unpopular figure, and largely upheld his viewpoints.

This doesn’t represent catering to the far left but rather maintains business as usual.

Are Democrats equipped for a potential second Trump term?

Ocasio-Cortez took to Bluesky on Monday, emphasizing her commitment to continue the fight despite her recent setback.

“WE ARE STILL IN THIS,” she stated. “Wipe those tears. This is the challenging journey of hope and defying expectations. We do not surrender.”

I admire the sentiment and agree that now is not the time for defeatism. Nonetheless, her loss is still disheartening.

As we potentially face another Trump presidency, it’s crucial for the Democratic Party to embrace progressive values and its progressive members. They ought to uplift Ocasio-Cortez, the remaining members of “the Squad,” and other young representatives willing to forge a bold new path for the party.

When Trump and the Republicans inevitably fall short of their grandiose, false promises, Democrats must be ready with a compelling alternative. They can’t afford to merely be another facet of the same old issues. Did Republicans evolve after Trump’s defeat in 2020?

Or did they fully embrace MAGA?

One might assume the Democratic Party would recognize that Ocasio-Cortez embodies the ideals necessary to reclaim the support of working-class voters and youth after they feel let down by Trump, who favors the wealthy. She possesses a message that the party isn’t leveraging effectively. Instead, they continue to follow their traditional approach.

Will we really not go back? It appears we aren’t advancing either.