Rockdale County voters urged to prepare for Special Election to fill Georgia’s 13th Congressional seat through end of 2026

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County’s Board of Elections Director Cynthia Willingham is reminding voters to make plans now for the upcoming Special Election for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.

The Special Election will fill the unexpired term of the late Congressman David Scott. The longtime congressman, who served 12 consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, died on April 22 at the age of 80 while seeking re-election to a 13^th term. 

Along with Rockdale, Georgia’s 13th Congressional District encompasses portions of five other metro-Atlanta counties: Clayton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Henry, and Newton counties.   

While the winner of the Special Election will only serve until the end of 2026, the race will determine who represents residents of the 13^th District in Congress during the final months of the current term. That person will cast votes on federal legislation, spending measures, and other key issues impacting local communities throughout the district, ensuring the seat does not remain vacant during a critical period at the nation’s capital. 

Meanwhile, the winners of the May 19 primaries—Jasmine Clark (Democrat) and Jonathan Chavez (Republican)—will face off in the Nov. 3 general election for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District. The winner of that contest will be sworn in to a full two-year term beginning in January 2027.

Early voting for the Special Election begins on July 6 and runs through July 24. Election day is July 28. 

Willingham reminded voters that the Special Election is a nonpartisan race.  

“Please note that this is a nonpartisan special election, so voters will not be asked to select a party ballot,” Willingham said. “However, in accordance with Georgia law, candidates may choose to have their political party affiliation listed next to their name on the ballot.”

There are six candidates vying for the Special Election seat. The candidates are listed below, along with other pertinent voting information: