The House Steering Committee Thursday cast votes on who they back to lead the various standing committees in the 117th Congress, with Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., emerging as their choice.
He received 32 votes to 19 for Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif.
While Costa has touted the backing of several agriculture groups for him to take the Ag panel gavel, Scott importantly received the support of currently House Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minn., who was defeated in his bid for re-election. Scott is also the second ranking Democrat on the panel in terms of seniority, something which Peterson noted when he endorsed Scott for the chairman's spot.
The full House Democratic caucus will make its choices Thursday on who will lead the committees.
The House Republican Steering Committee on Wednesday also recommended the House GOP Caucus elect Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., as the ranking member for the House Agriculture Committee.