Costa and Brown Clash for House Agriculture Leadership Amidst Farm Bill Stalemate
Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) has announced his bid to lead the House Agriculture Committee, setting up a direct contest with Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) for the top Democratic slot. This internal race occurs as the current ranking member, Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), exits Congress following her failed Senate campaign. The leadership shift carries significant implications for stalled farm bill negotiations, which may be deferred to 2027 if the November midterms disrupt the legislative schedule. Simultaneously, Republicans face their own leadership contest, with Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) challenging current Chair G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.), who is seeking a waiver to exceed the six-year term limit.
