Costa Is Challenging Scott to Lead House Agriculture Democrats

Two Democrats are racing to lead their cohort in the House Agriculture Committee, a key position in the negotiation of a more than trillion-dollar farm bill that’s likely to stretch into next year.

California Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) is challenging Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) for his seat as ranking member of the panel, Costa’s office confirmed to Bloomberg Government. Costa will release a formal statement Wednesday afternoon, spokesperson Anthony Camacho said.

Costa’s challenge comes after several panel members have previously raised concerns about the 79-year-old Scott’s health and farm bill negotiations. After lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on the ...