U.S. Representative David Scott, a Georgia Democrat who made history as the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, has passed away at the age of 80.
Scott, who was pursuing his 13th term in Congress despite facing internal party challenges, was a prominent advocate for Democrats on agricultural policy and consumer food aid.
He was also a notable Black member of the moderate Blue Dog caucus. However, his later years in office were marked by declining health, leading to criticism and primary challenges in both 2024 and at the time of his death.
Democrats on Capitol Hill offered tributes to the long-serving lawmaker. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed profound sadness, telling reporters on Wednesday, “The news of Congressman Scott’s passing is deeply sad.”
Jeffries lauded Scott as a “trailblazer who served district that he represented admirably, rose up from humble beginnings to become the first African American ever to chair the House Ag Committee.”
He added, “He cared about the people that he represented. He was fiercely committed to getting things done for the people of the great state of Georgia, and he’ll be deeply missed.”
The announcement of Scott’s death occurred during the Congressional Black Caucus’ weekly luncheon on Capitol Hill, with Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke informing lawmakers. Many present, some of whom had served alongside Scott for decades, were reportedly shocked and saddened.
Scott’s passing marginally expands the Republican Party’s slim House majority as the current election year progresses.
The congressman had not been particularly active on the campaign trail in 2026 but had consistently dismissed calls for his retirement. “Thank God I’m in good health, moving and doing the people’s work,” Scott stated in 2024.
Born David Albert Scott on June 27, 1945, in rural Aynor, South Carolina, during the Jim Crow era, he was a vocal proponent for federal support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), having graduated from Florida A&M University.
He also held an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Scott was a seasoned state lawmaker in Georgia before his election to Congress in 2002.
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