Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss.
Senate Agriculture Committee ranking member Thad Cochran, R-Miss., will run for re-election, his office confirmed to The Hagstrom Report today.

The decision will undoubtedly bring relief to both farm leaders and anti-hunger activists because Cochran has been a reliable leader on both issues.

Both groups fear Cochran's primary opponent, Chris McDaniel, a tea party-oriented candidate who has received endorsements from the Club for Growth and the Senate Conservatives Fund. But the race is still likely to be the toughest of Cochran’s career.

Cochran, who turns 76 on Saturday, told USA Today, “I'm comfortable with my decision. I'm looking forward to it. People have been very generous and expressed appreciation. Some have even started sending contributions and helping in that way.”

Cochran’s decision to run for re-election is also likely to increase his power and stature in the final farm bill negotiations since senators would have to deal with him in future years if he wins re-election.

He also serves on Appropriations, and in Mississippi there has been speculation that if he wins re-election and the Republicans take control of the Senate he might use his seniority to become chairman of that committee. Cochran served as chairman of Appropriations from 2005 to 2007.