Congressman Dies While Fighting for One More Term

Georgia politics has lost one of its most recognizable Democratic voices.

Rep. David Scott has died at the age of 80 while still in the middle of a campaign for re-election, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His cause of death has not been made public.

Scott’s death marks the end of a long and historic political career that stretched across decades and made him a powerful figure in both Georgia and Washington. Even as he faced growing pressure and challenges from within his own party, the veteran lawmaker was still seeking a 13th term in Congress, showing just how deeply committed he remained to public service until the very end.

Born in South Carolina and raised in Florida, Scott eventually made Georgia his political home. Alongside his wife, he built a successful billboard advertising business before stepping fully into public life, where he quickly became a familiar name in Democratic politics.

His rise began in the 1970s, when he served in both the Georgia House and the Georgia Senate. But his biggest breakthrough came in 2002, when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to serve Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.

Over the years, Scott became known as more than just a longtime congressman. He carved out a legacy as a trailblazer, becoming the first Black man to chair the powerful U.S. House Agriculture Committee. That milestone alone secured his place in history, but his impact went far beyond titles.

Scott built his reputation on fighting for Georgia farmers, pushing for funding for historically Black colleges and universities, and staying closely connected to the people he represented. His annual job fairs and health fairs became a staple in his district, helping countless constituents and strengthening the bond he had with the community.

For many Democrats, Scott represented a generation of lawmakers who believed government could still be used as a force to uplift working families, expand opportunity, and invest in overlooked communities. His death closes a major chapter in Georgia’s political story and leaves behind a legacy that will not be easily forgotten.

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