Angie Craig Elected House Agriculture Committee Leader

Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) has been elected as the top Democrat on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, succeeding David Scott (D-Ga.) and defeating Jim Costa (D-Calif.) in a caucus vote by 121 to 91. Craig's victory represents a generational shift within the Democratic leadership, with younger members replacing older, long-serving leaders. Her position as ranking member will allow her to influence federal farm and nutrition policy, emphasizing bipartisan collaboration to lower food and energy costs and enhance farming opportunities. Craig has highlighted her commitment to addressing the needs of farmers and rural constituents, underscoring the importance of compromise and advocating for nutrition assistance programs. The decision reflects the Democratic leadership's preference for a Midwestern perspective, as Craig represents a rural district in Minnesota. The reauthorization of the Farm Bill will be a primary focus for the committee under her leadership.