Georgia Congressman David Scott dies at age 80
Representative David Scott of Georgia died at the age of 80 after the House vote the day before, prompting tributes from Democratic leaders and affecting the narrow Republican majority.
Just one day after the House vote, Georgia U.S. Rep. David Scott died Wednesday at age 80.
The longtime politician represented Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, which includes parts of Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, Newton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb counties in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Concerns about Scott’s health have circulated on Capitol Hill in recent years, even as he seeks re-election to the House in the 2026 midterm elections. The cause of death has not been released, but Scott’s office said his death was “unexpected.”
Mr. Scott has served in the Georgia State Legislature since 1974 and for more than 20 years.
David Scott elected to the US House of Representatives
David Scott was born on a farm in South Carolina in 1945 and spent his childhood in Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida.
He attended Florida A&M University and worked as an intern in the Office of the Labor Assistant Commissioner for Industrial Relations in Washington, D.C., during the summers of his junior and senior years. He continued his education by attending the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with an MBA in 1969.
After completing his education, Scott moved to Atlanta and started an advertising business, Dayn-Mark Advertising. He married Alfredia Aaron and became the brother-in-law of Atlanta Braves legend Hank Aaron.
He first became active in politics in 1972, when he participated in Andrew Young’s parliamentary campaign and was instrumental in Young’s success. He ran solo in 1974 and was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, where he served until 1982.
Scott was then elected to the state Senate, serving until 2002, after which he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
During her time as a Georgia politician, she authored legislation that required background checks for gun purchases, made it a felony to supply firearms to minors, made adults responsible for keeping weapons away from children, helped create PeachCare to provide health insurance for children, protected women undergoing breast cancer treatment from predatory insurance companies, restricted residential land reclamation, supported the cleanup of rivers and underground aquifers, and passed laws that provided sex education and AIDS prevention in schools.
Mr. Scott’s decades as a member of Congress
During his 24 years as a Congressman, Mr. Scott served on the Financial Services Committee, the Agriculture Committee, and the NATO Congress.
Scott chaired the Agriculture Committee, working to reform the dairy industry, support land-subsidized universities, and protect the interests of farmers, ranchers, and food processors.
Leveraging his business background, he was a senior member of the Financial Services Committee, where he worked on housing assistance mortgage programs, neighborhood stabilization programs, housing affordability marking programs, and more. He authored legislation that would allow insurance agents to hold multi-state licenses and lowered flood insurance premiums during the 2009 floods in his hometown of Atlanta.
Mr. Scott helped pass the 2012 NATO resolution as a member of the NATO Congress with the support of 27 countries and was instrumental in supporting U.S. allies, particularly Israel. He supported stopping Iran from building nuclear weapons.
During his tenure, Scott focused on climate change, criminal justice and law enforcement reform, education, health care, housing, immigration, labor and employment, transportation and infrastructure, and veterans affairs, according to his office.
Condolences from Georgia
After the announcement of Scott’s death, condolences poured in from across the political spectrum, but especially from his fellow Georgians.
“David Scott was a Georgian’s Georgian. For decades, Congressman Scott was the embodiment of public service in our state. Throughout his years in the Georgia State Legislature and then the U.S. Congress, he dedicated himself to uplifting and supporting the people of Georgia. I join the millions of Georgians who are mourning him today and extend my condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. There is no doubt that our state is better because of everything David Scott did.” What he was able to accomplish during his more than 50 years of public service will be greatly missed,” Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock said in a statement Wednesday.
“As a longtime representative of Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, Congressman Scott understood the need and importance of representing the communities he serves. His perspective has allowed him to produce results that resonate on a national level while never losing sight of the everyday people he represents,” Southern Poverty Law Center Chief Policy Officer Rashawn Warren said in a statement Thursday. “His belief in the power of public service guided his leadership and fueled his efforts to expand opportunities for working families, champion education and veterans issues, support farmers and rural communities, and secure federal investments that strengthen local schools, transportation, infrastructure, and economic growth across the state.”
Albany Rep. Sanford Bishop called Scott “a friend and colleague.”
“David and I worked together for decades, first in the Georgia State Legislature and then in the U.S. House of Representatives. Additionally, we shared a friendship rooted in faith, family, and a deep dedication to the people we represent. I have known David and his family for many years. My wife Vivian and I join countless Georgians who continue to mourn his passing and hold his loved ones close,” Bishop said in a statement. “As the leader of the House Agriculture Committee, David’s voice was both steady and thoughtful. It was especially moving when he became the committee’s first African-American chair in 2020, a historic milestone reflecting his years of principled leadership. It was a moment in time. He used that platform to fight for the 1890 land-grant system, for disadvantaged farmers who were often left behind, and to work tirelessly to secure resources for agricultural producers, rural communities, and nutrition programs that supported our state and our nation. ”
Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff said in a statement that Scott “dedicated his life to public service and the state of Georgia.” He said Georgia is “a better place because of Congressman Scott’s efforts.”
Eileen Wright covers Georgia politics as an Atlanta Connect reporter for USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. X Find her at @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
