Georgia Democratic Rep. David Scott dies at 80
Veteran Democratic Rep. David Scott of Georgia has died. He was 80 years old.
Scott, who served as the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee from 2021 to 2025, served in the House for more than 23 years, taking office in 2003. He was the first Black chair of the House Agriculture Committee.
He was in the Capitol on Tuesday when he cast his final vote as a member.
"We are all deeply saddened by the news of Rep. David Scott’s passing. For more than two decades, David faithfully served the people of Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District and spent the majority of his life in service to others," House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote in a post on X Wednesday afternoon.
Scott was in declining health in recent years, often pushed in a wheelchair by an aide around Capitol Hill. While he was running for re-election this year, he raised very little money and faced a number of primary challengers.
In a statement, his office said Scott will be "be remembered not only for his leadership but for his kindness, compassion, and enduring impact on those around him."
Scott's death means Democrats will lose their second sitting member in the last 24 hours.
On Tuesday, Florida Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned after she was found guilty of 25 House ethics violations, including acceptance of improper campaign contributions and commingling of campaign and personal funds. The congresswoman was indicted in November 2025 by a federal grand jury on charges of stealing $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds, which she is accused of laundering to support her successful 2021 congressional campaign.
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing, excusing the allegations as an accounting error. In her resignation announcement, the congresswoman called the process a "witch hunt."
There are now 212 Democrats and 218 Republicans -- including independent Rep. Kevin Kiley who caucuses with the GOP. With the whole number of the House now at 430, 216 votes are needed for a simple majority.
Scott’s death does not change Johnson's cushion: He still maintains a two-vote edge before a third GOP defection would upset his majority.
The news of Scott’s death was first reported by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
