Rep. David Scott dies, impacting Georgia's political landscape

U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Georgia Democrat and the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, has died at the age of 80. Scott was seeking his 13th term in Congress despite facing challenges from within his party. He was a prominent voice on farm aid policy and food aid for consumers, and a member of the moderate Blue Dog caucus. Recently, he faced criticism regarding his declining health and was enduring a primary challenge in 2024 at the time of his death.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed condolences, stating, "The news of Congressman Scott's passing is deeply sad. 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. 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."

Scott had been less active on the campaign trail in 2026 but had previously dismissed calls to retire, saying, "Thank God I'm in good health, moving and doing the people's work." His death slightly widens the Republicans' narrow House majority as the midterm election year intensifies.