Rep. David Scott, a Georgia Democrat, dies at 80
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Rep. David Scott, the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and longtime representative for a district near Atlanta, has died at age 80, according to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
- Scott served in Congress since 2002 and was running for a 13th term; he was known for his dedication to Georgia farmers, veterans, and constituents, and was deeply respected for his trailblazing leadership.
- He was replaced as the Agriculture Committee’s top Democrat in 2024 by Rep. Angie Craig as the party sought younger leadership; Scott had faced health challenges in recent years.
- Scott's death shifts the House party breakdown to 217 Republicans, 212 Democrats, and one independent, with Georgia law requiring a special election to fill his seat.
- Former colleagues highlighted Scott’s humble beginnings in South Carolina, his education at Wharton, and his significant influence over key agricultural and food assistance programs benefiting rural America.
