Dec 18, 2024 Story by: Editor
House Democrats are set to replace another senior panel leader as 79-year-old Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) lost a critical vote in the influential Steering Committee on Monday.
The vote, held during the first round on Monday, saw Scott defeated, according to three individuals familiar with the proceedings who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) emerged victorious, winning outright on the first ballot. This outcome effectively guarantees that Scott will not retain his position as the top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee next year.
Craig, 52, secured a strong majority with 34 votes from the steering panel, positioning herself as the leading candidate for the ranking Democratic role on the Agriculture Committee. Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.), 72, finished second with 22 votes, while Scott trailed significantly with just five votes.
The full Democratic House caucus cast votes on Tuesday. Notably, Scott failed to gain the unanimous support of Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members within the steering committee, as confirmed by two other sources.
The decision to move against Scott comes after years of dissatisfaction among rank-and-file Democrats, who have criticized his effectiveness as a committee leader. This change also highlights a broader effort within the Democratic Party to transition leadership roles ahead of the anticipated return of President-elect Donald Trump and a GOP-controlled Congress next year.
Since 2021, Scott has faced internal calls from fellow Democrats to step down from his committee leadership, citing concerns over his health, leadership abilities, and difficulty negotiating the $1.5 trillion farm bill. These demands intensified after the election, with Costa and Craig actively campaigning for the ranking member position.
Scott, who made history in 2021 as the first Black chair of the Agriculture Committee, previously enjoyed protection from Democratic leaders and the influential Congressional Black Caucus. However, these alliances have weakened significantly in recent weeks.
Last Wednesday, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries refrained from endorsing Scott when questioned in a brief hallway interview about Scott’s health and whether he should continue in the role for the upcoming Congress.
Support for Scott has also dwindled within the Black Caucus. While younger CBC members have long supported replacing him, even some senior members are now openly considering alternatives.
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the leading Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee, expressed his uncertainty in a recent interview. “But I do want someone who … can carry the Democratic message far and wide,” Thompson stated. “We need the strongest voice.” Source: Politico
