U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Georgia Democrat who served nearly three decades in the state legislature before being elected to Congress, has died at age 80. House leaders confirmed his passing on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, according to multiple news outlets.
Scott, who was seeking his 13th term in Congress, was the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. His death marks a significant moment in congressional history, coming amid a competitive primary race for his seat in Georgia’s 13th District.
According to the Associated Press, Scott died in Atlanta. The news was first reported by AP News and quickly confirmed by other major outlets including NBC News and CNN. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued statements mourning his loss.
Scott’s career in public service spanned over 30 years. Before his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, he served in the Georgia State Senate and the Georgia House of Representatives. He was known for his function on agricultural policy, rural development, and healthcare access.
As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Scott oversaw legislation related to farming, nutrition programs, and rural infrastructure. He was a strong advocate for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and worked to support Black farmers who have historically faced discrimination in accessing federal aid.
In his final months in office, Scott remained active in committee work and continued to engage with constituents in Georgia. He cast his last vote in the House shortly before his death, according to reports from BBC News.
His passing means that five members of the 119th Congress have now died in office, a statistic noted by CBS News in its coverage of the event. This includes representatives from both major parties who have died since the Congress began in January 2025.
Scott was born in Aynor, South Carolina, and moved to Georgia as a young man. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and later attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, though he did not complete an MBA. His background in business and farming informed his legislative priorities.
Throughout his career, Scott was recognized for his bipartisan approach to problem-solving, particularly on issues affecting rural communities. He received awards from farming organizations and civil rights groups for his advocacy work.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues across the aisle. Republican Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia, no relation, praised his dedication to public service. Democratic Rep. Nikema Williams, who represents a neighboring district, called him a mentor and trailblazer.
With Scott’s passing, the process to fill his vacant seat will begin. Under Georgia law, a special election will be scheduled by the governor. The primary election to determine nominees for both parties is expected to occur within the next several months, though no exact date has been set.
Candidates have already begun positioning themselves for the race. Several state legislators and local officials have expressed interest in running for the seat. The district, which includes parts of Atlanta and surrounding suburbs, has been represented by Scott since 2003.
Scott’s legacy includes efforts to expand broadband access in rural Georgia, improve veteran services, and protect Medicaid funding. He was too instrumental in securing federal investment for infrastructure projects in his district.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Scott’s family. A public viewing and service are expected to be held in Atlanta, with details to be announced by the family in coordination with the Congressional Black Caucus, of which Scott was a long-standing member.
As the nation reflects on his contributions, Scott’s career serves as a reminder of the impact of sustained public service. His work on agricultural equity and rural development continues to influence policy debates in Congress.
For updates on the special election process and official statements from the House of Representatives, readers are encouraged to visit the official website of the U.S. House or the Georgia Secretary of State’s election division.
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