The Democratic battle for the top spot on the House Judiciary Committee is heating up as Congress returns this week to Washington, where Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) is challenging Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) to be the face of resistance to the second Trump presidency.

The race has obvious practical implications, as the Judiciary panel has vast jurisdiction over the federal courts and law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, where Democrats fear Trump will abuse his powers to target political opponents.

It’s also the panel where impeachment investigations tend to launch, and Nadler and Raskin — both constitutional lawyers who played outsized roles in impeaching Trump during his first term — likely see an opportunity to build on that legacy if Democrats flip control of the House in the 2026 midterms.

With those high-stakes at play, the race could get ugly.

“I think it’s unfortunate,” Nadler told The Hill when asked about Raskin’s bid. “He’s already ranking on a different committee, which is a very important committee.”

Beyond a mere roster change, however, the contest also bears a heavy symbolic significance for House Democrats, who have a long history of honoring seniority when it comes to choosing top committee seats. In a typical year, that would favor Nadler, 77, a 34-year veteran of Capitol Hill hailing from a powerful Manhattan district. And some Democrats are already questioning Raskin’s decision to challenge the long-serving liberal stalwart.

© The Hill