David Scott gets second challenger for Ag panel top spot

By Marc Heller | 11/25/2024 04:15 PM EST

Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota has told colleagues she wants to replace Scott as the top Democrat on the committee.

Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) at the election for House speaker in 2023.

Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) is citing her work with Republicans in her bid to lead Democrats on the Agriculture Committee. Win McNamee/Getty Images

Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig has become the second Democrat to challenge Rep. David Scott for the ranking member slot on the House Agriculture Committee.

In a letter to House colleagues Monday, Craig cited her modest upbringing, work on the committee and willingness to work with Republicans as credentials for the top Democratic position.

Craig, 52, is one of a vanishing breed in Congress — a Democrat in a largely agricultural district. In her letter, she said: “I worry that too many rural Americans don’t trust that Democrats have their best interests at heart. It’s my mission to work with you to help change their minds.”

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Craig joins California Democratic Rep. Jim Costa in taking on Scott (D-Ga.), who’s had health troubles but hasn’t indicated a plan to step aside.

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