The Legacy and Passing of Congressman David Scott

U.S. Representative David Scott, a prominent Democrat from Georgia, passed away on April 22, 2026, at the age of 80. His death marks the end of a political career that spanned nearly five decades, during which he served as a significant figure in the U.S. House of Representatives. Scott represented Georgia's 13th Congressional District, which includes parts of Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, Newton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties, since his election in 2002. He was the first African American to chair the House Agriculture Committee, a position he held from 2021 to 2023.

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Born on June 27, 1945, in Aynor, South Carolina, Scott faced the challenges of growing up during the Jim Crow era. He graduated from Florida A&M University in 1967 and earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Finance in 1969. His political career began in the Georgia General Assembly, where he served from 1974 to 1982 before moving to the Georgia Senate until 2002. Throughout his career, Scott was known for his advocacy in agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Rep. David Scott Of Georgia Has Died At 80 While Running For His Thirteenth Term In Congress

Scott's tenure in Congress was marked by significant contributions, particularly in agricultural policy. He secured $80 million for historically Black land-grant colleges as part of the 2018 Farm Bill and authored legislation to improve healthcare access for veterans. His work on the House Financial Services Committee also focused on housing and consumer finance issues. Scott was recognized for his bipartisan approach, often working across party lines to address the needs of his constituents.

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In recent years, Scott faced scrutiny regarding his health and capacity to serve. Reports indicated a decline in his physical condition, leading to questions about his ability to campaign effectively. Despite these challenges, he filed for re-election for a 13th term just weeks before his death, indicating his commitment to continue serving his district.

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Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from colleagues and community leaders. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described Scott as a "trailblazer" who was deeply committed to his constituents. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised Scott as a "tireless advocate" for the people he served. His passing has left a notable vacancy in Congress, slightly widening the Republican majority as the House now consists of 217 Republicans and 212 Democrats.

Representative David Scott of Georgia Dies at Age 80

Under Georgia law, Governor Brian Kemp is required to call a special election within ten days to fill Scott's vacant seat. The election must occur at least 30 days after the declaration, creating a compressed timeline for candidates who were already preparing for the May 19 primary. Scott's death has transformed the political landscape in Georgia's 13th District, leading to a more competitive race among Democratic candidates.

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David Scott's legacy as a dedicated public servant and advocate for his community will be remembered. He leaves behind his wife, Alfredia, two daughters, and two grandchildren. As Georgia prepares for a special election, Scott's contributions to agriculture, healthcare, and education will continue to impact the state and its residents.

WABE - NPR - Atlanta