Congressman David Scott dies at 80, lauded for decades of service to Georgia

ATLANTA—Longtime U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Democrat who represented Georgia’s 13^th Congressional District, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80. A cause of death was not disclosed. 

Scott served 12 consecutive terms in Congress, first elected in 2002, and taking office in 2003. At the time of his death, Scott was seeking re-election with early voting set to begin April 27 ahead of the May 19 primary. Scott’s campaign signs were visible across the 13^th District, which spans portions of Clayton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton and Rockdale counties after redistricting in 2012. 

A staunch advocate for education, healthcare, veterans and farmers, Scott made history in 2021 as the first African American to chair the House Agriculture Committee.

During his tenure, he also helped secure $80 million in funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Scott was a graduate of Florida A&M University, where he received his B.A. in English and speech in 1967. He earned his MBA with honors from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in 1969.   

Before his election to Congress, Scott served in the Georgia General Assembly, first winning a seat in the State House in 1974 and later, a seat in the State Senate in 1982.

Scott is survived by his wife, Alfredia, the youngest sister of baseball legend Hank Aaron; two daughters, Dayna and Marcye; and two grandchildren.  

Georgia’s Republican Gov. Brian Kemp praised Scott’s commitment to the communities he served, particularly his work on behalf of the agriculture community. 

“He was a champion for so many communities, especially our agriculture industry, and his impact will be felt for years, and our prayers are with him and his loved ones at this time,” Gov. Kemp said during a press conference on Wednesday.  

Tributes poured in from colleagues including Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District, and his wife, DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson. Congressman Johnson issued the following statement: 

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, David Scott. He was a man of deep faith who constantly studied the Bible, but he was never pompous, and was simply a regular guy. When I came to Congress, he took me under his wing, showed me the ropes, and offered me some guidance that I have carried with me and tried to follow. He was a good man, and I will miss him. My and Mereda’s prayers are with David’s wife Alfredia, his daughters Dayna and Marcye, and the entire family and staff during this difficult time.”

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and his wife, Alisha, expressed their condolences to the Scott family and Scott’s staff members. Ossoff lauded Scott for his public service.

“Congressman Scott devoted his life to public service and the State of Georgia, elected to the Georgia State House in 1974 and the State Senate in 1982 before being elected to Congress in 2002,” Ossoff said in a statement. “The State of Georgia is a better place thanks to the service of Congressman Scott. May his memory be a blessing.”

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus(CBC) remembered Scott as a dedicated public servant. 

“Congressman Scott’s impact on the CBC spans decades. He served as a leader, mentor, and dear friend. Always true to our mission, Congressman Scott advocated tirelessly on behalf of Black Americans until the very end, “ the group ‘s statement read in part. 

“Congressman Scott was a dedicated public servant who loved his community and family dearly. We are deeply grateful for his many years of service to Georgia and our nation. We are praying for his family during this extremely difficult time. May his memory be a blessing to all.”

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens issued the following statement:

“Atlanta joins the state of Georgia in mourning the passing of Congressman David Scott, one of Georgia’s longest-serving voices in Washington D.C. and 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. His legacy is one of service, perseverance and deep commitment to this state. My thoughts are with his wife Alfredia Aaron, his children, extended family, his colleagues, and all who were impacted by his work.”

This story will be updated when more information becomes available about funeral arrangements for Congressman David Scott.