U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Georgia Democrat who served in Congress for over two decades, has died at the age of 80. Scott represented Georgia's 13th District, which includes Atlanta's southern suburbs, since 2003.

Scott made history as the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee when Democrats controlled the chamber. He served as the ranking member of the committee and was a leading voice on farm aid policy and food assistance programs for consumers. Scott was also a prominent member of the moderate Blue Dog caucus within the Democratic Party.

In recent years, Scott's health had become a subject of public concern and political discussion. Despite facing primary challenges in 2024 and pressure from some within his party to retire, Scott had qualified to run for a 13th term in Congress. He dismissed calls for retirement, stating in 2024 that he was "in good health, moving and doing the people's work."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Scott as "a trailblazer who served the district that he represented admirably" and noted that he "rose up from humble beginnings" to become the first African American to chair the House Agriculture Committee. Jeffries said Scott "cared about the people that he represented" and "was fiercely committed to getting things done for the people of the great state of Georgia."

Scott's death slightly widens Republicans' narrow House majority as the midterm election year progresses. The longtime lawmaker had not been especially active on the campaign trail in recent months but remained committed to seeking reelection despite the challenges he faced within his own party.