U.S. Rep. David Scott, a longtime Georgia Democrat who served more than two decades in Congress, has died at the age of 80, according to a family confirmation on Wednesday. His passing creates a vacancy in one of metro Atlanta’s most reliably Democratic districts and is expected to prompt a competitive special election.
Scott represented Georgia’s 13th Congressional District since 2003, covering parts of Clayton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, and Rockdale counties. The district has consistently favored Democratic candidates, and while a special election will determine his successor, political observers expect the seat to remain in Democratic hands.
Born in South Carolina, Scott began his political career working on Andrew Young’s congressional campaign in 1972. He soon launched his own bid for office, winning a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives, where he served from 1975 to 1982.
During his time in the state House, Scott worked on legislation related to public safety and community welfare. His efforts included measures aimed at improving firearm safety and promoting responsible ownership, as well as initiatives focused on protecting children and families.
He also contributed to the creation of PeachCare, a state program designed to expand access to health insurance for children, reflecting a broader focus on healthcare access during his early legislative career.
Scott later served in the Georgia Senate from 1983 to 2002, where he was involved in passing a range of legislation. His work addressed areas such as public health, environmental protections, and education policy, including initiatives related to school instruction and healthcare rights.
Elected to Congress in 2002, Scott went on to hold key leadership roles, including chair of the House Agriculture Committee. He also served on the Financial Services Committee and participated in international policy discussions through the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
His passing leaves a temporary vacancy on the House Agriculture Committee and marks the loss of a senior member of Georgia’s congressional delegation. A successor will be chosen through a special election process in the coming months.
The upcoming race is expected to draw significant interest within the Democratic Party, with local leaders and state officials likely to compete in what is considered a safe district for the party.
Scott earned his undergraduate degree with honors from Florida A&M University in 1967. He later completed an MBA with honors at the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania.
He is survived by his wife, Alfredia, and his daughters, Dayna and Marcy, who continue his legacy of public service and community involvement.