Scott elected to lead House Agriculture Democrats

House Democrats elected Agriculture Committee Chair David Scott (D-Ga.) on Thursday to continue in his role as the top Democrat on the panel next year when Republicans take over the majority, just as members of his own party have been discussing whether to try to replace him in the role.

The House Democratic caucus voted to approve Scott for the role on Thursday, according to people familiar with the matter.

As POLITICO has reported, the vote for Scott comes as some House Democrats have been quietly considering moves in recent weeks to try to push him out from the role next Congress over concerns about his ability to push for Democratic priorities during next year’s high-stakes farm bill debate, according to five people familiar with conversations.

Members of Scott’s own party have tried to remove him from his top spot on the panel before, citing his health and effectiveness on the panel, as POLITICO previously reported in January.

“This Committee will have so many important issues to tackle in the coming months, and as Ranking Member, my level of advocacy for Democratic priorities will be no different," Scott said in a statement after the vote. "Under my leadership, I believe we have accomplished important groundwork leading into the 2023 Farm Bill and I am looking forward to working across the aisle to ensure that we are doing our best to meet the needs of producers and consumers in this important legislation."