Rep. David Scott, a Democratic lawmaker who represented Georgia's 13th District for over two decades, has died at the age of 80, according to multiple reports. His death was confirmed by his office and colleagues on Wednesday.
Key Takeaways
Rep. David Scott, an 80-year-old Democrat representing Georgia's 13th District, has died in office after more than two decades of service. His death marks the fifth member of the 119th Congress to pass away since January 2025.
- Rep. David Scott dies at age 80 after a long career in public service
- He was seeking his 13th term in office and had been running for re-election in May's primary
- Scott became the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee in 2020
- His death shifts the balance of power to Republicans, now holding 217 seats compared to Democrats' 212
Scott had been seeking his 13th term in Congress and was running for re-election in May's primary. He became the fifth member of the 119th Congress to die in office since January 2025, as reported by CBS News. His death shifts the balance of power in the House, with Republicans now holding 217 seats compared to Democrats' 212.
The cause of Scott's death has not been disclosed. He was known for his advocacy on behalf of farmers, historically Black colleges and universities, and community programs. According to UPI, Scott often hosted job fairs and health events in his district, which helped him maintain strong voter support.
Scott began his political career in 1974 with a successful run for the Georgia House of Representatives. He served there until he was elected to the state Senate in 1982. Scott was eventually elected to the newly created District 13, which includes DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, in 2003.
In the House, Scott was a member of several caucuses, including the Congressional Black Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition. He served as chair of the House Agriculture Committee for the first two years of former President Joe Biden's term, becoming the first African-American lawmaker to do so. According to The Guardian, Scott had been facing health issues in recent years but remained popular in his district.
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