Rep. David Scott (D-GA), who represented Georgia’s 13th Congressional District for over two decades, has passed away.
He was 80.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the unexpected passing of Congressman David Scott,” his office said in a statement.
“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,” the statement continued.
— Rep. David Scott (@repdavidscott) April 22, 2026
More from the Associated Press:
Scott’s death slightly widens Republicans’ narrow House majority going into the thick of this midterm election year The GOP began the current Congress with a 220-215 advantage, but the margin has fluctuated. Scott is the fourth House Democrat to die in office during this Congress.
ADVERTISEMENTScott had been mostly absent from the campaign trail in 2024 and 2026 and had become a noted example of Democrats’ aging leadership targeted by younger generations of the left. He dodged questions from reporters when he qualified for another term in March, but he earlier dismissed pressure to retire.
“Thank God I’m in good health, moving and doing the people’s work,” the congressman said in 2024.
His wife and campaign adviser Alfredia Scott was even more direct. “When the congressman decides to leave, he won’t be pushed out,” she said in 2024. “He will bow out.”
State officials will have to schedule a special election to fill out the rest of Scott’s term, which could overlap with elections to choose a representative for the next two-year term. Early in-person voting starts Monday for May 19 party primaries for the next full term.
“Congressman Scott’s passing is deeply sad,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said, according to NBC News.
“David Scott was a trailblazer who served the district that he represented admirably, rose up from humble beginnings to become the first African American ever to chair the House [Agriculture] Committee,” he added.
“The State of Georgia joins his family and those he represented for so many years in mourning the passing of Congressman David Scott. 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 at this time,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said.
The State of Georgia joins his family and those he represented for so many years in mourning the passing of Congressman David Scott. A devoted public servant, he served his state as a stalwart supporter of Georgia's agriculture industry — our largest economic driver. Our prayers…
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) April 22, 2026
NBC News shared further:
Earlier this month, NBC News reported that Scott was outraised in fundraising by four of his primary opponents in the first quarter.
Scott voted on the floor as recently as Tuesday afternoon, according to the clerk’s records.
ADVERTISEMENTAtlanta Mayor Andre Dickens mourned Scott’s death in a statement, calling the congressman “a tireless advocate for the people he served.”
“For decades, he fought for Georgia farmers, advocated for our veterans and ensured his constituents were supported at the street level with job and health fairs, serving tens of thousands of Georgians over the years,” Dickens said in the statement. “His legacy is one of service, perseverance and deep commitment to this state.”
The first Black chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, he was replaced as the committee’s top Democrat by Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., in 2024 as the party looked to bring in younger committee leadership.
