Rep. David Scott (D-GA), who represented Georgia’s 13th Congressional District for over two decades, has passed away.
In a statement, Scott’s office expressed: “It is with deep sorrow that we share the unexpected passing of Congressman David Scott. To the public, he was a devoted leader who spent more than 50 years serving his community, the State of Georgia, and the American people. Beyond his public services, he was a devoted father, grandfather, husband, and friend. He will be remembered not only for his leadership but for his kindness, compassion, and enduring impact on those around him.”
Scott’s death slightly widens Republicans’ narrow House majority heading into the midterm election year. The GOP entered this Congress with a 220-215 advantage, though that margin has fluctuated. Scott is the fourth House Democrat to die in office during this Congress.
Scott had been largely absent from the campaign trail in 2024 and 2026 and was noted as an example of Democrats’ aging leadership targeted by younger generations on the left. He dodged questions about his candidacy when he qualified for another term in March but previously dismissed pressure to retire. “Thank God I’m in good health, moving and doing the people’s work,” the congressman stated in 2024.
His wife and campaign adviser Alfredia Scott was equally direct: “When the congressman decides to leave, he won’t be pushed out. He will bow out.”
State officials must schedule a special election to fill the remainder of Scott’s term, which could overlap with elections for the next two-year term. Early in-person voting begins Monday for May 19 party primaries.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called Scott’s passing “deeply sad,” adding that David Scott was a trailblazer who served his district admirably and rose from humble beginnings to become the first African American ever to chair the House Agriculture Committee.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp joined others in mourning, stating: “The State of Georgia joins his family and those he represented for so many years in mourning. A devoted public servant, he served his state as a stalwart supporter of Georgia’s agriculture industry — our largest economic driver. Our prayers are with his family, colleagues, and loved ones.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised Scott as “a tireless advocate for the people he served,” noting that for decades he fought for Georgia farmers, advocated for veterans, and provided job and health fairs for tens of thousands of Georgians.
Scott voted on the floor as recently as Tuesday afternoon. He was replaced as chair of the House Agriculture Committee by Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) in 2024 as the party sought younger leadership.
