Longtime Georgia Congressman David Scott Dies at 80, Leaving Legacy of Firsts

U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Georgia Democrat who served as the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, has died at the age of 80, bringing an end to a distinguished career that spanned over two decades in Congress.

The veteran lawmaker, who represented a metropolitan district around Atlanta, was seeking his 13th term in Congress when he passed away. As the current ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, Scott had established himself as a leading voice on agricultural policy despite representing a largely urban constituency.

“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 Ag Committee,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement. “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.”

Throughout his career, Scott positioned himself as a moderate Democrat, becoming a prominent Black member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group known for its centrist policy positions. His expertise in farm aid policy and food assistance programs made him an influential figure in crafting legislation that balanced the interests of rural agricultural communities with urban consumers.

Scott’s commitment to bipartisan cooperation earned him respect across the political spectrum. During his chairmanship of the Agriculture Committee from 2021 to 2023, he worked to bridge partisan divides on issues ranging from agricultural subsidies to nutrition programs, demonstrating his ability to find common ground in a deeply divided Congress.

In recent years, however, Scott faced increasing scrutiny over concerns about his health. These concerns prompted primary challenges within his own party, including one he survived in 2024 and another he was facing at the time of his death. Despite questions about his fitness to serve, Scott remained defiant about his ability to continue representing his constituents.

“Thank God I’m in good health, moving and doing the people’s work,” Scott had insisted in 2024, pushing back against calls for his retirement.

Prior to his congressional career, which began in 2003, Scott served in the Georgia state legislature, where he built a reputation as a pragmatic lawmaker focused on economic development and education. His transition to national politics allowed him to expand his influence while continuing to advocate for the needs of his Atlanta-area district.

As news of his death spread through Capitol Hill, colleagues from both parties paid tribute to Scott’s legacy of service and his groundbreaking achievements. Throughout his career, he maintained deep connections to his constituents while also shaping national policy on agriculture, banking, and economic development.

Scott’s death creates a vacancy in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District and slightly widens Republicans’ narrow House majority during a critical midterm election year. The timing of a special election to fill his seat will be determined by Georgia state officials in accordance with state law.

For many in Georgia and beyond, Scott will be remembered as a pioneer who broke racial barriers in Congress and as a dedicated public servant who remained committed to his constituents until the end of his life. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Georgia’s political history and leaves a void in the state’s congressional delegation that will be difficult to fill.