Why did Publius Sulpicius Rufus seek to transfer the command against Mithradates VI from Sulla to Gaius Marius?

Publius Sulpicius Rufus sought to transfer the command against Mithradates VI from Sulla to Gaius Marius primarily to secure political support for his own legislative agenda.12

As a tribune of the plebs in 88 BCE, Sulpicius aimed to enact reforms that would grant effective voting rights to newly enfranchised Italian citizens, a policy that faced firm opposition from the Roman oligarchy. To gain the necessary backing for these measures, Sulpicius formed an alliance with Marius, who remained a highly influential figure with significant military prestige and a loyal following. By maneuvering to grant the lucrative and prestigious Eastern command to Marius, Sulpicius successfully incentivized the former general to support his political plans.12

This move, however, triggered a violent reaction from Sulla, who marched his army on Rome to reclaim his command, marking a pivotal and destructive moment in the late Roman Republic.12