Valley Congressman Jim Costa aims to be top Democrat on House Agriculture panel

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Congressman Jim Costa says he will challenge ranking member David Scott of Georgia to be the top Democrat on the House Agriculture panel next Congress.

Scott has been absent recently because of health problems.

Costa is the second-highest-ranking Democrat on the committee and has a long history in the ag sector.

He announced his interest Wednesday at a California delegation meeting.

Costa unsuccessfully challenged Scott to be the top Democrat in 2019.

Scott is currently receiving treatment in Georgia for his back and will be absent from House votes until after the members return from Thanksgiving recess on December 3.