David Scott
Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee
In office
January 3, 2023 – January 3, 2025
Preceded by Glenn Thompson
Succeeded by Angie Craig
Chair of the House Agriculture Committee
In office
January 3, 2021 – January 3, 2023
Preceded by Collin Peterson
Succeeded by Glenn Thompson
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Georgia's 13th district
In office
January 3, 2003 – April 22, 2026
Preceded by Constituency established
Succeeded by TBD
Member of the Georgia State Senate
from the 36th district
In office
January 10, 1983 – January 3, 2003
Preceded by Jack Stephens
Succeeded by Sam Zamarripa
Member of the Georgia House of Representatives
from the 37th district
In office
January 13, 1975 – January 10, 1983
Preceded by Bill Stephens
Succeeded by Georganna Sinkfield
Personal details
Born David Albert Scott
(1945-06-27)June 27, 1945
Aynor, South Carolina, U.S.
Died April 22, 2026(2026-04-22) (aged 80)
Party Democratic
Spouse
Alfredia Aaron
​
(m. 1969)​
Children 2
Relatives Hank Aaron (brother-in-law)
Kimani Vidal (grandson)
Education Florida A&M University (BA)
University of Pennsylvania (MBA)
Website House website
Campaign website
Scott's voice
Scott supporting his bill, the 2013 NARAB Reform Act.
Recorded September 10, 2013

David Albert Scott (June 27, 1945 – April 22, 2026) was an American politician and businessman who served as the U.S. representative for Georgia's 13th congressional district from 2003 until his death in 2026. Scott's district included all of Rockdale County, as well as portions of Clayton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Henry, and Newton counties. Before his election to Congress in 2002, Scott served as a Democratic member of both chambers of the Georgia Legislature and operated a small business. From 2023 to 2025, he was the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.

Early life and education

Scott was born in Aynor, South Carolina, on June 27, 1945,[1] but was raised initially by maternal grandparents in South Carolina and later by his paternal grandparents in Scranton, Pennsylvania before reuniting with his parents in Scarsdale, New York at age 11.[2] His family relocated to Daytona Beach, Florida when he was 13 and attended Campbell High School. He received a bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.[3] Scott was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.[4]

Early career

In 1978, Scott founded Dayn-Mark Advertising (from the names of his two daughters, Dayna and Marcie), which places billboards and other forms of advertising in the Atlanta area. Scott's wife, Alfredia, now heads the business. In May 2007, it was reported that the business owed more than $150,000 in back taxes and penalties.[5] Scott's campaigns paid the company more than $500,000 from 2002 to 2010, including expenses for office rent, printing, T-shirts, and other services. He also paid his wife, two daughters, and son-in-law tens of thousands of dollars for campaign work such as fund raising and canvassing.[6]

Scott served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1975 to 1983 and in the Georgia State Senate from 1983 to 2003.[3]

U.S. House of Representatives

Scott during the 116th United States Congress

When Georgia picked up an additional district (GA-13) as a result of the 2000 census, Scott entered a five-way Democratic primary in 2002 for the seat, winning with 53.8% of the vote.[7] He then defeated Republican Clay Cox in the general election with 59% of the vote.[8] He never faced another contest that close, and was reelected eight times, running unopposed in 2004, 2014, and 2016.[citation needed]

In 2007, the political watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington named Scott one of the 25 most corrupt members of Congress.[9][6]

During his first two terms, Scott represented a district that twisted and wound its way through parts of nine counties and was barely contiguous in some areas. In a mid-decade redistricting held after the 2004 elections, the district was redrawn to be somewhat more compact, with its population centered in Clayton, Douglas, and Fulton Counties. Redistricting after the 2010 census gave the district all of Douglas County and pushed it further into Clayton.[citation needed]

On March 2, 2026, Scott qualified for the 2026 election.[10]

Committee assignments

For the 119th Congress:[11]

  • Committee on Agriculture
    • Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development
    • Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit
  • Committee on Financial Services
    • Subcommittee on Capital Markets
    • Subcommittee on Financial Institutions

Caucus memberships

  • Black Maternal Health Caucus[12]
  • Blue Dog Coalition (left in 2023)[13]
  • Congressional Equality Caucus[14]
  • New Democrat Coalition[15][4]
  • Congressional Black Caucus[16]
  • U.S.-Japan Caucus[17]
  • Congressional Coalition on Adoption[18]
  • Rare Disease Caucus[19]
  • Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans[20]
  • Congressional Taiwan Caucus[21]

Political positions

Scott was ranked as the 18th-most bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 114th Congress (and the second most bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia) in the Bipartisan Index created by the Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy, which ranks members of the United States Congress by their degree of bipartisanship by measuring how often each member's bills attract co-sponsors from the opposite party and each member co-sponsors bills by members of the opposite party.[22]

Affordable Care Act

Scott voted for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).[23] On August 6, 2009, he was confronted by a constituent who was also a local doctor. The doctor, who later appeared in subsequent debates with his opposition candidate, asked Scott why he was going to vote for a health care plan similar to the plan implemented in Massachusetts and whether he supported a government-provided health care insurance option. Scott questioned whether the doctor was a resident of his district, although the local TV station WXIA-TV confirmed that the doctor did live and work in the district.[24] Scott also said the doctor had not called Scott's office to set up a meeting about health care; this was not verified.[25]

Fiscal policy

Although Scott voted against the first version of the 2008 bailout, he backed the final version "after being assured the legislation would aid homeowners facing foreclosures. Scott crafted an added provision dedicating $14 billion to aid those homeowners."[26]

Same-sex marriage

Scott supported two failed pieces of legislation in 2004 and 2006 that aimed to establish a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.[26][27] However, in May 2013 thinkprogress.org reported receiving an email from a spokesman of Scott saying, "Congressman Scott fully supports marriage equality."[28] The Human Rights Campaign's profile of Scott also contains this sentence as his statement under "position on marriage equality".[29]

Iran deal

Scott opposed the nuclear deal with Iran, saying, "It's a good deal for Iran, for Russia, China and probably Hezbollah, but is it not, definitely not a good deal for Israel or for the United States or our allies – especially Jordan and Saudi Arabia".[30]

Yemeni civil war

Scott was one of only five House Democrats who voted to allow the U.S. to continue selling arms to Saudi Arabia and to support the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. His vote came just one day after the Senate, on December 13, 2018, invoked the War Powers Resolution for the first time since its enactment in 1973 to assert congressional authority and move to end U.S. military involvement.[31]

Personal life

Scott married Alfredia Aaron, the sister of Baseball Hall of Fame member Hank Aaron, in 1969.[3][32] The marriage produced two daughters, Dayna and Marcye.[33] Scott's grandson is Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal.[33]

He allegedly received death threats over his support of the Affordable Care Act[23] – a swastika was found spray-painted on a sign outside his district office.[34]

Decline in health and death

Politico reported in 2022 that Scott's speech was increasingly halting, he had trouble at times focusing on a topic, and seemed to be forgetting prior conversations.[35] As of 2024, Scott often read from a script and had trouble carrying out conversations about food and agricultural policy that he oversaw, causing alarm among his Democratic colleagues in Congress.[36][37] One lawmaker remarked "I haven't met a member [of Congress] who isn't concerned" with Scott's ability to carry out his duties as then-Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee.[38] Party leadership subsequently removed Scott from that position.[39]

In late 2024, Scott screamed at a Politico reporter who photographed him arriving at the Capitol in a wheelchair.[40]

Scott faced criticism from fellow Democrats due to his age; he would have been 81 years old at the beginning of the next Congress, as well as reports from his voting record revealing that he had not cast a single vote in the last six election cycles, including the 2024 United States presidential election.[41] Scott died on April 22, 2026, at the age of 80, one day after he cast his final vote in the House.[1][42][43][44]

Several major political figures and elected officials paid tributes to Scott following his death. Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries remarked "David Scott was a trailblazer who served a district that he represented admirably, rose up from humble beginnings to become the first African American ever to chair the House [Agriculture] Committee."[45] Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens said Scott was "one of Georgia’s longest-serving voices in Washington D.C. and a tireless advocate for the people he served."[46]

However, Scott was also criticized after his death for not retiring earlier. As Jim Newell wrote in Slate, "We don’t want to be uncharitable toward the recently deceased, and we should note that he logged decades of impressive years before succumbing to decline. But there's no other explanation for how he served the past few years essentially incapacitated—and now leaves Democrats down another vote in the House—beyond selfishness."[47]

See also

  • List of African-American United States representatives
  • List of members of the United States Congress who died in office (2000–present)

References

  1. ^ a b "SCOTT, David". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
  2. ^ "Biography of Ranking Member David Scott" (PDF).
  3. ^ a b c Murry, Kendall; Rayam, Lisa (April 22, 2026). "BREAKING: Georgia Congressman David Scott has died". WABE. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
  4. ^ a b "Representative David Scott (GA)". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved June 6, 2008.
  5. ^ Vogel, Kenneth (May 24, 2007). "Rep. Scott's finances questioned". Archived from the original on June 19, 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2008.
  6. ^ a b Kemper, Bob (September 18, 2007). "Atlanta congressman on 'corrupt' list". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2008.
  7. ^ "Our Campaigns – GA District 13 – D Primary Race – Aug 20, 2002". Our Campaigns.
  8. ^ "Our Campaigns – GA District 13 Race – Nov 05, 2002". Our Campaigns.
  9. ^ Beyond DeLay: The 22 Most Corrupt Members of Congress (PDF) (Report). Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. September 17, 2007. p. 155. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 26, 2007. Retrieved April 18, 2022. Rep. Scott's ethics issues stem from allegations of tax evasion and misuse of official resources for political campaign activity
  10. ^ Jill Nolin; Alander Rocha (March 3, 2026). "Candidate qualifying for the 2026 election is off to a fast start in Georgia". Georgia Recorder. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  11. ^ "List of Standing Committees and Select Committees of the House of Representatives" (PDF). Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  12. ^ "Caucus Members". Black Maternal Health Caucus. June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
  13. ^ "Members". Blue Dog Coalition. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  14. ^ "About the CEC". CEC. April 4, 2025. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  15. ^ "Members". New Democrat Coalition. Archived from the original on February 8, 2018. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  16. ^ "Membership". Congressional Black Caucus. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  17. ^ "Members". U.S. – Japan Caucus. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  18. ^ "Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute".
  19. ^ "Rare Disease Congressional Caucus". Every Life Foundation for Rare Diseases. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  20. ^ "Members of the Caucus on U.S. – Türkiye Relations & Turkish Americans". Turkish Coalition of America. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  21. ^ "Congressional Taiwan Caucus". Congressman Brad Sherman. August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  22. ^ The Lugar Center – McCourt School Bipartisan Index (PDF), The Lugar Center, March 7, 2016, retrieved April 30, 2017
  23. ^ a b Boone, Christian (March 30, 2010). "Georgia congressman says he's received death threats". ajc.com. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
  24. ^ Carpenter, Amanda. "Georgia Democrat yells at local doctor over health care". Washington Times. Archived from the original on August 11, 2009. Retrieved August 9, 2009.
  25. ^ Dixon, Duffie. "Congressman Scott's Town Hall Meeting". WXIA TV website. Retrieved August 9, 2009.[dead link]
  26. ^ a b Sonmez, Felicia. "David Scott (D-Ga.)". Who Runs Gov. The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  27. ^ "Electful LBGT Rights". Electful. Retrieved June 25, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  28. ^ "Another House Democrat Endorses Marriage Equality". ThinkProgress. Archived from the original on May 7, 2013.
  29. ^ "Your Elected Officials: David Scott". Human Rights Campaign. Archived from the original on July 30, 2013.
  30. ^ Mali, Meghashyam (August 4, 2015). "The Hill's Whip List: House Iran vote". TheHill.
  31. ^ Fuller, Matt; Ahmed, Akbar Shahid (December 12, 2018). "5 Democrats Bail Out Paul Ryan And Protect Saudi Arabia". Huffington Post. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  32. ^ "Statement on Passing of Henry "Hank" Aaron". U.S. Congressman David Scott. January 22, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  33. ^ a b "My Biography | Congressman David Scott". davidscott.house.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  34. ^ Weiner, Rachel (August 11, 2009). "Swastika Painted On Rep. David Scott's Office Door". Huffington Post. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
  35. ^ "Lawmakers raise health concerns as they quietly seek to replace a House chairman". POLITICO. January 13, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  36. ^ "'Exhibit A for term limits': Some Democrats question Rep. David Scott's reelection bid". POLITICO. February 21, 2024. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  37. ^ "Congressman David Scott faces a new wave of Georgia challengers". ajc. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  38. ^ "Scott will seek another term atop Ag panel despite health concerns". Punchbowl News. September 16, 2024. Archived from the original on October 10, 2025. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  39. ^ Dunlap, Stanley (December 17, 2024). "Georgia U.S. Rep. David Scott loses House Ag Committee post as Dems shuffle leadership • Georgia Recorder". Georgia Recorder. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  40. ^ Irvine, Bethany (December 19, 2024). "Playbook PM: Johnson scrambles for an exit ramp". POLITICO. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  41. ^ Rashid, Hafiz (November 6, 2025). "80-Year-Old Swing State Democrat Didn't Vote in Past Six Elections". The New Republic. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  42. ^ Mitchell, Tia (April 22, 2026). "Georgia U.S. Rep. David Scott has died". AJC. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
  43. ^ "Rep. David Scott, longtime Georgia lawmaker, dead at 80". CBS. April 22, 2026. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
  44. ^ Schermele, Zachary (April 22, 2026). "Longtime Rep. David Scott, a Georgia Democrat, dies at 80". USA Today. Retrieved April 23, 2026.
  45. ^ "Georgia Democrat David Scott, 80, dies after casting final House vote". BBC. April 22, 2026.
  46. ^ "Tributes pour in following longtime metro Atlanta Congressman David Scott's death". WANF. April 22, 2026.
  47. ^ "There's Something Different About This Version of the Democratic Party" by Jim Newell, Slate, April 25, 2026.
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