Hispanic Caucus Backs Costa for Top House Agriculture Democrat

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus endorsed Rep. Jim Costa to take over as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee next year, according to two Democratic aides, in a blow to current ranking member Rep. David Scott.

The endorsement comes after caucus members heard Costa’s pitch for leading Democrats on the panel and in negotiating a farm bill reauthorization deal at a candidate forum last week. Costa (D-Calif.) and Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) are running to replace Scott.

Costa and Craig are part of an emerging trend of younger Democrats more willing to challenge senior committee members for leadership positions. Scott ...