Rep. Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon announced Tuesday, Oct. 6, that she is running to become the top Democrat on the House Education and Workforce Committee, challenging its current ranking member, Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia. Bonamici made her bid in a letter to fellow Democrats, saying she would bring “a fresh and collaborative approach” and work to advance the caucus’s education and labor priorities. She also pledged to serve no more than four years in the post if elected. The race now includes Bonamici, Scott and Rep. Jahana Hayes of Connecticut, who is also seeking the committee’s top Democratic position. Scott has held the ranking-member role since 2015. Bonamici has served on the committee since 2013 and currently leads its K-12 subcommittee. Bonamici pointed to her legal background as preparation to use Congress’s authority to scrutinize President Donald Trump’s administration, including Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Bonamici has introduced a resolution to impeach McMahon, citing her efforts to dismantle the Education Department without congressional approval. Scott said Bonamici informed him Tuesday that she planned to run. He praised her work on the committee but argued he remains the best-qualified candidate to lead Democrats and focus on education and health care. The leadership contest comes as Democrats look toward the November midterms and believe they have a chance to win the House majority. Bonamici said that if Democrats take control, the committee should pursue a “bold and visionary approach” while resisting what she described as attacks on public education, unions and working families.