Market News & Headlines >> Biden Tabs Vilsack to Return to USDA

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate Tom Vilsack for a return gig as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, a post he held for eight years in the Obama administration, according to reports from various news organizations citing persons familiar with the decision. 

Vilsack emerged as a safe choice for Biden after a dispute between traditional farm interests and the progressive wing of the Democratic party over who should head the USDA.   

Biden had initially considered former North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, who had the backing of most traditional farm groups, but progressives backed Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge of Cleveland. Biden has now named Fudge as secretary of Housing and Urban Development.