Congressman Dies at 80 While Campaigning for Re-Election

U.S. Congressman David Scott has died at age 80, according to WABE.

Scott, a longtime Georgia lawmaker and businessman, was serving his 12th term in Congress at the time of his death and had been seeking reelection. A Democrat, he was widely known for advocating for farmers, veterans, healthcare, and education, and for becoming the first Black chair of the House Agriculture Committee.

Born in South Carolina in 1945 and raised partly in Florida, he later graduated from Florida A&M University before building a billboard advertising business with his wife and entering politics. He served in the Georgia House, Georgia Senate, and then the U.S. House from 2002 onward.

Throughout his career, Scott was recognized for supporting rural communities, historically Black colleges and universities, and programs expanding healthcare and job access.