Longtime Georgia Rep. David Scott Dies at 80, Ending a Half-Century in Public Service

Democratic Rep. David Scott of Georgia, a 12-term congressman and former state legislator who chaired the House Agriculture Committee from 2021 to 2023, has died at age 80 after more than 50 years in public service. His death was announced on the House floor; he leaves a wife and two children. Scott was a champion for farmers, including Black farmers, and supported the 1890s Scholarship Program at historically Black colleges and universities. He faced a May 19, 2026 primary amid House upheaval, becoming the fifth member to die during the 119th Congress.