Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., has joined the race to lead Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee.
Craig and Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., have now announced challenges to the current House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member, David Scott, D-Ga. Scott is the most senior Democrat on the panel, followed by Costa.
In a "Dear colleague" letter, Craig vowed to work across the aisle to pass a bipartisan farm bill in the 119th Congress, while standing firm on key issues. She also emphasized that Democrats must re-earn the trust of rural Americans and said it’s important her colleagues prove their policies “are ones that make a difference, especially for those in rural communities.”
Craig highlighted her work on bipartisan legislation to expand rural mental health care, improve supply chains and strengthen the country’s workforce. She also said she would stay committed to Democratic values, citing her vote against the House farm bill in May that she said would have rolled back “historic” climate investments and included “harmful” cuts to SNAP.
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Craig was one of many Democrats on the committee who faced challenging re-elections this year. She pointed to her 13.5% win in a competitive, rural district as proof she can connect with ag country. She added that she would ensure members who also face competitive races, especially freshman members, are fully supported.
“My vision for the Agriculture Committee is simple,” Craig wrote. “Listen to my members. Help them be successful. Find common ground where possible. And stand my ground where needed.”
Costa laid out a similar message in an interview with Agri-Pulse last week. The California Democrat announced his intention to challenge Scott during a state delegation meeting last week, and said he wanted to “provide strong advocacy for Democrats on behalf of rural America.”
In 2020, Costa and Scott both ran for the ranking member position, with the Democratic steering committee ultimately voting for the more senior member, 32-19. Recently, Scott, 79, has faced questions and concerns about his age and health. Georgia news outlets reported that Scott had not returned to Congress after the elections due to treatment on his back.
Craig first joined Congress in 2019 and was appointed to the House Agriculture Committee that same year.
The incoming Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar also hails from Minnesota, which could be a barrier to Craig’s bid since Democrats may not want to have ranking members in both the Senate and House from the same state.
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