In the last few days, two longtime Democratic ranking members dropped their bids to remain atop committees — Reps. Jerry Nadler (N.Y.) at the Judiciary Committee and Rep. Raúl Grijalva (Ariz.) on the Natural Resources Committee.
Now there are new flashing warning signs for Rep. David Scott (Ga.), the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee.
The Congressional Black Caucus is extraordinarily quiet as to whether they support Scott staying in that post as he faces two junior challengers.
The 79-year-old Scott, who has faced scrutiny over health issues, made history to become the first Black man to lead the Agriculture panel in 2021. But now, growing concerns over Scott’s health and ability to carry out the job have stifled what should be slam-dunk support from his closest allies on the Hill even as he seeks another term atop his committee.
“I’m voting for him but I’m counting the numbers,” Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) told us. “The caucus is going to have its will and we’ve got to be together… Obviously, there are concerns because that’s why somebody’s running against him.”
The CBC is expected to host a candidate forum for Scott and his two challengers — Reps. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) — next week. Just the fact that the CBC is giving a stage to his two opponents says a lot about where things stand.
CBC Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), who didn’t put his support behind Scott, said the forum is the “first step” to deciding who the best fit is to lead the panel.
Several other CBC members declined to publicly comment on the race or said they need to evaluate all of the contenders.
“I will hear from all the candidates and then make my decision,” Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.) said.
The CBC’s distance from Scott is quite telling. Several members have privately speculated that the 11-term lawmaker could drop his bid for ranking member in the coming weeks.
Scott’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment.
The CBC is known as a unified bloc that defends seniority zealously and seeks to uplift Black members where they can.
And Scott’s allies have framed attempts to undercut the Georgia Democrat as having racial undertones to take down one of the highest-ranking Black members of the caucus.
But even some of Scott’s supporters in the CBC have expressed concerns over his declining health. Scott was absent for the last few weeks to get treatment for back issues.
“If I said I wasn’t concerned about his health and ability to get around, I would not be accurate and truthful,” Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) told us. “It hurts to see him struggle, but I’m voting for him no matter what.”
Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), who is on the Agriculture Committee, said he will stand behind Scott, but acknowledged that his fellow Georgia Democrat has had health issues.
“I have every confidence he’s up to the task and fully support him,” Bishop said of Scott. “We all have health decisions from time to time and I think he’s dealing with it and I hope his health will be good. But he’s had a ton of experience and he’s delivered well so far.”
