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Georgia lawmaker David Scott passes away at 80
U.S. Representative David Scott, a Democrat who served Georgia's 13th District for over 20 years, died on Wednesday at the age of 80. His death was confirmed a day after he cast his last vote in the House of Representatives.
Final vote and re-election bid
Scott participated in Tuesday's House session, voting in favor of legislation authorizing new hydropower projects. Despite concerns about his health, he had refused to step aside and was actively campaigning for a 13th term in next month's primary election.
Trailblazing career in Congress
Born in rural South Carolina in 1945, Scott made history in 2020 as the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. He consistently defended his decision to remain in office, stating last year that he was "in good health, moving and doing the people's work."
"David Scott was a trailblazer who served a district that he represented admirably, rose up from humble beginnings to become the first African American ever to chair the House Ag Committee. He cared about the people that he represented. He was fiercely committed to getting things done for the people of the great state of Georgia, and he'll be deeply missed."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Impact on House balance of power
Scott is the fifth sitting member of Congress to die since last year, following the deaths of Democratic representatives Sylvester Turner (Texas), Raúl Grijalva (Arizona), and Gerry Connolly (Virginia), as well as Republican Doug LaMalfa. His vacant seat shifts the House's partisan balance, giving Republicans a slight edge-217 to 212 Democrats, with one independent who caucuses with the GOP-as they seek to maintain their narrow majority ahead of November's elections.
Special election to fill vacancy
Under Georgia election law, Governor Brian Kemp must call a special election within 10 days of the seat's vacancy. The election must be held at least 30 days after the governor's declaration. No cause of death has been disclosed for Scott.
