Congressional elections aren’t until Tuesday, but Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, has already launched his campaign to become the top Democrat on the powerful House Agriculture Committee.

Costa sent a letter to Democratic colleagues Thursday morning asking for their support to lead the party’s members on the committee.

With Democrats potentially positioned to retake control of the House from Republicans, the letter also laid the groundwork for Costa to become committee chair if his party wins the majority.

Costa said he would be “ready on day one” to lead as ranking member and described his agenda as simple: “Keep farmers farming, keep families fed, and make this committee work for every member of our caucus.”

Leadership Post a Long-Held Goal for Costa

Leading the committee has been a long-held goal for Costa, who has served in Congress since 2005.

He faces Republican businessman Kyle Kirkland of Clovis in the Nov. 3 election. The Cook Political Report rates the race for California’s 21st Congressional District as “solid Democrat.” Voter registration records as of September showed the district was 40.74% Democratic, 27.02% Republican, and 23.35% no party preference.

“We’re excited to see Jim seek to lead the Dem side of the committee,” said Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. “He knows the issues from the California and the national perspective. I know he would provide great representation for this region and the nation’s farmers.

“Jim is someone who could shepherd the Farm Bill through because of his work on both sides of the aisle.”

Most political analysts predict Democrats will win 230 to 235 seats in the election. A party needs at least 218 seats to control the House.

Rep. Brown Also Seeks Top Democratic Spot

Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, who serves as the committee’s vice ranking member, also has announced a campaign for the party’s top post.

Costa has sought the committee’s leadership position before.

In 2020, when Democrats controlled the House, Costa and Rep. David Scott of Georgia competed for the chairmanship. Scott, who had greater seniority, won and became the first Black lawmaker to lead the panel.

In late 2024, Costa challenged Scott for the position of ranking Democrat, citing Scott’s health issues. Rep. Angie Craig ultimately became ranking member.

Craig is leaving the House after losing her bid for the U.S. Senate in the primary. She has endorsed Brown to become the party’s top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee.

Scott, 80, died in April.

Read Costa’s Letter