The decision by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to forego a bid for the top Democratic seat on the House Oversight Committee has quickly sparked a series of behind-the-scenes maneuvers to replace Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), the current ranking member, whenever the seat opens up.

The jockeying sets the stage for what could potentially be an animated contest pitting veteran, old guard lawmakers against a younger, newer crop of Democrats who are seeking more influence over the party's policy and messaging decisions.

Rep. Stephen Lynch (Mass.), a senior member of the panel, was hand-picked to serve as interim ranking member while Connolly is treated for the esophageal cancer that forced him recently to step back from his daily responsibilities. And Lynch has made clear that he wants to fill the seat permanently whenever Conolly, who is not seeking reelection next year, vacates the seat for good.

But a Lynch victory is no slam dunk on a committee stacked with younger members who are eager to advance. Some of those figures were ready to defer to Ocasio-Cortez if she decided to run. But the liberal superstar is no longer on the Oversight Committee, having jumped to the Energy and Commerce panel after an unsuccessful race against Connolly for the top Oversight spot last December. And on Tuesday, she announced that she won’t try again, suggesting the Democrats’........

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