David Scott drops bid to keep position on House Ag committee

House Agriculture ranking member David Scott has dropped out of the race to maintain his post next year, according to four people with knowledge of the matter granted anonymity to discuss the decision.

Scott (D-Ga.) lost a key Steering panel vote Monday on the first ballot. The ranking member has long faced questions about his ability to lead the panel amid health concerns.

Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) is in a strong position to take the top Democratic spot on the committee after receiving 34 votes from the steering panel. Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.), who was also in the running for the ranking member post, came in second with 22 votes. Scott received five votes.

The House Democratic caucus will meet in full on Tuesday to hold a vote finalizing who will lead Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee and other contested ranking member races.