Rep. David Scott dies

U.S. Rep. David Scott of Georgia died on April 22 at age 80, ending a congressional career that lasted more than 23 years. (apnews.com) Scott’s office confirmed his death Wednesday, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he was mourning “the loss of a giant.” Scott had represented Georgia’s 13th Congressional District since 2003 and had filed to run for a 13th term this year. (usatoday.com, jeffries.house.gov) He was the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, a post that put him at the center of farm programs, rural lending and food assistance fights. Before Congress, he spent 28 years in the Georgia House and Senate. (nbcnews.com, ajc.com) Scott’s death creates an immediate vacancy in Georgia’s 13th District, a south metro Atlanta seat he had held since first winning it in 2002. Under Georgia law, Gov. Brian Kemp must issue a writ for a special election within 10 days of the vacancy, and the election must be held at least 30 days later. (congress.gov, law.justia.com) The timing lands in the middle of a race that was already under strain. Scott’s age, long absences from the campaign trail and reports of health problems had fueled retirement questions and drawn a crowded field of Democratic challengers. (ajc.com, pbs.org) His standing in Washington had also shifted before his death. House Democrats removed him from the top Democratic spot on the Agriculture Committee in December 2024, replacing him with Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota. (georgiarecorder.com) Even after losing that committee role, Scott remained a fixture in Georgia Democratic politics and in national agriculture debates. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said Scott “was willing to reach across the aisle to get the job done,” reflecting the bipartisan relationships Scott built on farm policy. (fb.org) His death also slightly widens the Republican House majority at a moment when every vote matters. PBS, citing the current balance, reported that Scott was the fourth House Democrat to die in office during this Congress. (pbs.org) For Georgia Democrats, the next fight moves quickly from mourning to succession. For Congress, Scott’s death closes the career of a lawmaker who rose from the Georgia Legislature to chair one of the House’s most powerful committees. (georgiarecorder.com, apnews.com)