In a closed-door Democratic caucus meeting, the secret-ballot vote was 131 to 84, according to a lawmaker in the room.
After the vote, Connolly told reporters the most "capable" candidate won.
"Again, I think my colleagues were measuring their votes by who's got experience, who's seasoned, who can be trusted, who's capable, and who's got a record of productivity.
The full Democratic caucus also ratified other steering panel recommendations on Tuesday.
For the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee, the steering committee recommended Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., over the more junior Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M.
Persons:
Alexandria Ocasio, Gerry Connolly, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Trump, Connolly, who's, he's, Donald Trump, Hakeem Jeffries, Jamie Raskin, Jerry Nadler, Nadler, Angie Craig of Minnesota, Jim Costa, — Costa, David Scott of Georgia, Jared Huffman, Melanie Stansbury, Stansbury, Huffman, clamored
Organizations:
Democratic National Convention, United Center, WASHINGTON —, Tuesday, New York Rep, House Democratic, Committee, Democratic, Agriculture, Natural Resources Committee, Democratic Party
Locations:
Cortez, Chicago , Illinois, WASHINGTON, D, Ocasio, Jim Costa of California