United States Congressman, David Scott has died at 80 years old after representing Georgia’s 13th District for more than two decades.
The death of the Democrat was confirmed a day after he cast his final vote in the U.S. Congress, where he was a member for 23 years.
Scott’s staff announced his passing in a statement on Wednesday, saying he will be remembered for his “leadership, compassion, and enduring impact on those around him.”
Scott was described as a devoted leader who spent more than 50 years serving his community, the state of Georgia, and the American people.
The veteran lawmaker had defied pressure to retire amid concerns over his health and was running for a 13th term in primaries scheduled for May 19.
Born on June 27, 1945, in the small South Carolina town of Aynor, the deceased was the son of Mamie Polite Scott and Albert James Scott.
Scott first served in the Georgia House and was elected to the State Senate in 1982. He was voted to represent the newly created District 13 (DeKalb and Gwinnett counties) in 2003.
He became the first black House Chairman of the Agriculture Committee in 2020, and was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, and the Congressional Equality Caucus.
Scott is the fifth member of Congress to die since last year. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and other lawmakers have paid tribute to their late colleague.
The House seats controlled by the Republican Party have slightly increased, 217 Republicans, 212 Democrats, and one Independent. Five seats remain vacant.
