U.S. Rep. David Scott, who represented Georgia's 13th District for over two decades, has died at 80 years old, his office confirmed Wednesday.
In a statement, the Congressman's staff called his death "unexpected" and said more details regarding his passing would be shared in the coming days.
"To the public, he was a devoted leader who spent more than 50 years serving his community, the state of Georgia, and the American people. Beyond his public services, he was a devoted father, grandfather, husband, and friend," the statement reads. "He will be remembered not only for his leadership but for his kindness, compassion, and enduring impact on those around him.
"We are grateful for the outpouring of prayers, love, and support."
Scott's death comes as the longtime Democrat was running for a 13th term in the May 19th primaries.
His political career began in 1974 with a successful run for the Georgia House of Representatives. He served there until he was elected to the state Senate in 1982. Scott was eventually elected to the newly created District 13, which includes DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, in 2003.
In the House, Scott was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, the Congressional Equality Caucus, and others. He served as chair of the House Agriculture Committee for the first two years of former President Joe Biden's term, becoming the first African-American lawmaker to do so. He then became the ranking member after Republicans won control of the legislative body in 2023.
With Scott's death, the Republican Party's control of the House slightly increases. It now stands at 217 Republicans, 212 Democrats, and one Independent. Five seats remain vacant.
Details about Scott's death have not been released.
Politicians pay tribute to Rep. David Scott after his death
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens responded to the news of Scott's death in a statement that called the lawmaker a "tireless advocate for the people he served."
"For decades, he fought for Georgia farmers, advocated for our veterans and ensured his constituents were supported at the street level with job and health fairs, serving tens of thousands of Georgians over the years," Dickens wrote. "His legacy is one of service, perseverance and deep commitment to this state."
Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said that the members were all "deeply saddened by the news."
"For more than two decades, David faithfully served the people of Georgia's 3rd Congressional District and spent the majority of his life in service to others," Johnson wrote on X. "We are lifting up David's wife Alfredia, his two daughters, and his grandchildren in prayer as they mourn."
Georgia U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and his wife sent condolences to Scott's family and staff.
"The State of Georgia is a better place thanks to the service of Congressman Scott," Ossoff said in a statement. "May his memory be a blessing."
Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Charlie Bailey also released a statement, saying: "Today we lost one of our state's most steadfast advocates for working people and families. Congressman David Scott moved our state forward over half a century of distinguished public service – from working to bolster farmers and rural communities to putting health care in reach for children across our state. Georgia Democrats join our state in mourning this tremendous loss, and we are holding his family and loved ones in our prayers."
