Georgia U.S. Rep. David Scott dies after decades in politics
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U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) questions Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge during a hearing in July 2021 . Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Democratic U.S. Rep. David Scott of Georgia has died at age 80 after more than five decades in public office, his staff announced Wednesday.
Driving the news: Scott served in Congress for more than two decades and had qualified to run for his 13th consecutive term representing the south metro Atlanta district.
- His health was a growing concern for colleagues in recent years, and he was ousted from his leadership role on the House Agriculture Committee after the 2024 election. He was the committee's first Black chairman.
Catch up quick: Scott was born in 1945 and grew up in a small South Carolina town called Aynor before spending time in New York, Pennsylvania and Florida, according to his congressional bio.
- After graduating from Florida A&M University, he attended the Wharton School of Finance, where he met his wife, Alfredia Aaron.
Scott opened a billboard advertising company in Atlanta, which he and his wife, the sister of baseball legend Hank Aaron, called home.
- In the early 1970s, he advised then-Gov. Jimmy Carter, as well as Andrew Young's congressional campaign.
- Scott spent more than 25 years as a Georgia state rep and senator before winning a congressional seat representing Henry, Clayton, Dekalb, Rockdale, Newton and Gwinnett counties in 2002.
- Over the decades, he became a leader on health care, agriculture, education and gun safety issues.
State of play: Scott, who officially qualified at the state Capitol in March using a wheelchair, was facing a large field of primary challengers as younger Democrats nationwide have worked to oust the party's aging leadership.
By the numbers: Scott is the fifth member to die in office this congressional session, and the fourth Democrat.
- A special election will be required, a spokesperson for Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger told Axios; details have not yet been announced.
What they're saying: "The State of Georgia is a better place thanks to the service of Congressman Scott," U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) said in a statement.
- Mayor Andre Dickens said Scott fought for farmers, advocated for military 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."
- Everton Blair, one of Scott's primary challengers, said Scott "answered the call to serve the people of Georgia's 13th Congressional District with dedication and conviction."
- Jasmine Clark, another Democratic challenger, said Scott's "impact will not fade; it will live on in Georgia's story, in the lives he touched, and the progress he helped achieve."
What's next: Funeral services have not been announced.