Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig launched a significant campaign on Monday to secure the position of Democratic leader on the House Agriculture Committee. She joins two other candidates, California Rep. Jim Costa and Georgia Rep. David Scott, who currently hold the ranking member status. Costa and Craig have emphasized their commitment to defending SNAP and climate funding in the new farm bill and carrying a Democratic message to rural America, an area that has been a weak spot for the party.

"Angie Craig's Mission to Change Rural Americans' Perception of Democrats"

Background and Personal Connection

Craig's Arkansas grandfather faced hardships during the 1980s farm crisis, being forced off the land. Growing up in a mobile home and experiencing food insecurity and inconsistent access to healthcare, she has a firsthand understanding of the impact agriculture policy can have on real people and families. This personal background fuels her determination to make a difference in agricultural policy.In the past couple of years, there have been Capitol Hill whispers suggesting that Scott, with his courtly and deliberate manner, may not have been aggressive enough in promoting Democratic priorities at committee meetings and farm bill negotiations. However, Scott, 79, who represents an Atlanta-area district, was the first Black chairman of the Agriculture Committee in 2020 and holds the advantage of seniority in the intraparty race. House Democrats will elect committee leaders in January. Costa, 72, from the Central Valley, ran for the Agriculture chairmanship in 2020. Craig, 52, was elected to her fourth term on Nov. 5 and represents a district south of the Twin Cities.

Commitment to Rural America

President-elect Trump won 64% of the vote in rural and small-town America in the past elections compared to 51% in the suburbs and 38% in cities, according to exit polling. Trump's rural margin in the Nov. 5 election was larger than in 2016. Craig believes that too many rural Americans don't trust that Democrats have their best interests at heart. In a letter to House Democrats, she stated that it is her mission to work with them to change these minds. She said rural Americans "want us to show up and listen" to their concerns. "That's what we as Democrats need to do: Show up and listen. And have a presence in Ag country."Costa made a similar point in a letter to colleagues last week. He emphasized the need for a leader who will fight to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), defend the historic investments made through the Inflation Reduction Act, and bring a strong Democratic message back to rural America. As a member of the committee for 20 years, he believes he has the experience to lead Democrats as they work towards passing a bipartisan farm bill, which is currently expired.Scott spoke repeatedly against the Republican farm bill. When the CBO said the committee-approved bill was $33 billion over budget, he called on Republicans to return to the negotiating table and work with Democrats to craft a truly bipartisan farm bill.

Actions in Farm Bill Debate

Craig was "loud and clear" in the farm bill debate, opposing Republican-sponsored cuts in SNAP and loosening the rules on climate funding. She firmly believes that rural Americans deserve a voice and that Democrats need to actively listen to their concerns. This stance shows her dedication to representing rural interests and ensuring that agricultural policies are fair and beneficial.In the new session, there will be some turnover in the membership of the Agriculture Committee. Two Republicans and one Democrat were defeated for re-election, and one race was yet to be decided. Rep. John Duarte, a California Republican, held a 204-vote lead over Democrat Adam Gray with 98% of the vote counted in their Central Valley district. Additionally, Democratic Rep. Ellisa Slotkin was elected senator in Michigan, and Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger left the House to run for Virginia governor.Overall, Angie Craig's campaign for the House Agriculture Committee leadership is a crucial step in shaping agricultural policies and addressing the concerns of rural America. Her personal experiences and commitment make her a strong candidate in this intraparty race.