Scott, a Democrat, had served in the U.S. House since 2003 and was seeking a 13th term representing a safely Democratic district in the Atlanta area. In recent years, he had faced calls from some colleagues and members of his party to step aside amid concerns about his health and leadership, The Washington Post reported.
Following his last reelection, House Democrats voted to remove Scott as the
top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee. The move came after a series of health-related absences that raised concerns among colleagues about his ability to continue in the role.
With Scott’s death, the balance of power in the House shifts slightly, with Democrats now holding 212 seats and Republicans holding 217. The chamber also includes one independent who was previously elected as a Republican.
Born in South Carolina, Scott was raised in Pennsylvania, New York and Florida before eventually moving to Georgia. After earning an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania, he built a career in business, founding an advertising firm in Atlanta before entering politics.
Scott launched his political career in 1974 when he was elected to the Georgia state legislature. He later rose to national prominence after winning a seat in Congress, where he became known for his work on agriculture policy and financial services.
Rep. Katherine Clark, the House Democratic whip, praised Scott’s legacy in a statement. “He was a stalwart champion for working families and farmers, in his beloved Georgia and across the country,” she said.
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“Under his leadership, Democrats fought to strengthen our agricultural communities, reduce hunger, and bring the American Dream within reach of everyone,” Clark added.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also issued a statement, saying he was “deeply
saddened” by Scott’s death. He noted that the congressman “spent the majority of his life in service to others,” he said.
A longtime member of the House Agriculture Committee, Scott played a role in shaping multiple Farm Bills and advocated for disaster assistance programs for farmers. He also supported land grant universities, including the University of Georgia, during his time in Congress.
Scott chaired the Agriculture Committee from 2021 to 2023 and later served on the Financial Services Committee. He was also a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of centrist House Democrats.
Rep. Angie Craig, who succeeded Scott as the top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee in 2025, highlighted his advocacy work. She said he was “a strong voice for Georgia’s farmers, hungry veterans and young people,” noting his support for scholarship programs at historically Black colleges and universities.
Under Georgia law, Gov. Brian Kemp must call a special election within 10 days to fill the vacancy, with the election required to take place at least 30 days later.
Scott’s death marks the fifth sitting House member to die during this Congress, including one Republican and four Democrats. He had been facing multiple primary challengers ahead of the next election cycle.
He is survived by his wife, Alfredia, two children, and several grandchildren.
