Georgia Democratic U.S. Rep. David Scott, who advocated for farmers and veterans throughout his career, has died at the age of 80 after five decades of service.
WSB-TV reported that Scott, who was seeking his 13th term in Congress, was facing opposition from his own party at the time of his death.
As recently as April 20, Scott was actively introducing legislation, including a bipartisan measure, along with Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Nikema Williams, and Dan Crenshaw, to increase education, awareness, and recognition of endometriosis.
Multiple media outlets reported, including USA Today, that Scott’s death came one day after he cast a vote on the floor in the House of Representatives.
“”Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens issued a statement on Scott’s passing, calling him 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,” Dickens said. “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.”
Jon Ossoff, the senior senator from Georgia, said Scott “devoted his life to public service and the State of Georgia.”
“The State of Georgia is a better place thanks to the service of Congressman Scott,” he said. “May his memory be a blessing.”
Career started with Andrew Young
According to Scott’s website, he began his political career in 1972 when he worked on former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young’s successful congressional campaign. In 1974, he was elected as a Georgia state representative and served from 1975 to 1982.
“As State Representative, he authored laws to provide for gun safety, including creating background checks for gun purchases. He also made it a felony to knowingly sell or provide a firearm to a child or minor and held parents and guardians responsible for keeping their firearms away from children,” the website biography said.
In 2002, he was elected to the U.S. Congress, representing parts of Henry, Clayton, DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, and Gwinnett counties. At the time of his death, he was the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, which marked the first time a Black person held the position.
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig called Scott a strong voice for “Georgia’s farmers, hungry veterans and young people – who he helped shape into the next generation of agricultural leaders through his fierce advocacy for the 1890s Scholarship Program at historically Black colleges and universities.”
Scott’s cause of death has not yet been announced.
