Midterm Elections Put Congress at a Crossroads

The incoming Congress will feature at least 119 agricultural voices, but major leadership changes and a steep learning curve await lawmakers following the 2026 midterm elections.

According to the Farm Journal Ag Voice Scorecard, the incoming roster includes 84 House members and 35 senators with direct ties to agriculture. Of those 119 lawmakers, 99 are returning members and 20 are newly elected. Another 13 races involving potential agricultural voices remain unresolved.

The incoming total represents a decline from the current Congress, which has 139 recognized ag voices. Nine incumbents with agricultural ties lost their seats, including Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas and eight House Republicans. Five of the defeated lawmakers had personal farming backgrounds.

Rural Voters and Economic Pressures

Mary Kay Thatcher of MK Thatcher Consulting said early polling indicates a shift in rural voting patterns, with Republican support among rural voters falling to 58%, down from 65% two years ago.

Thatcher pointed to concerns about cattle market pressures, including tariff-free beef imports from South America, packing plant raids in Kansas and high diesel and gas prices during harvest.

Leadership Changes Ahead

With Democrats taking control of both chambers, leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees is expected to change significantly. Thatcher identified Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado and Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio as potential contenders for the Senate Agriculture Committee chairmanship.

In the House, Thatcher expects Rep. Shontel Brown of Ohio to become chair of the Agriculture Committee following the departure of former ranking member Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota.

Farm Bill Outlook

Thatcher expressed skepticism that Congress will pass a full farm bill before the end of the year, citing narrow vote margins and ongoing disputes over SNAP funding. She expects lawmakers to approve an extension instead.

Excerpted from an article by Clare Otto, published by Farm Journal’s The Daily Scoop on November 4, 2026. Read the full article: Ag Loses Ground in Washington as ‘Blue Tsunami’ Surges Through Rural America.