Veteran U.S. Congressman David Scott Dies at 80 Amid Re-election Bid

Veteran U.S. lawmaker David Scott, a senior Democrat from Georgia and former chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, has died at the age of 80 while seeking another term in Congress.

Scott’s death, confirmed on Wednesday, creates a fresh vacancy in the U.S. House of Representatives and could have implications for the balance of power as lawmakers head into a crucial midterm election cycle.

A longtime figure in Democratic politics, Scott was widely recognised for his role in shaping U.S. agricultural and food assistance policies. He made history as the first Black lawmaker to chair the powerful House Agriculture Committee and was a key member of the centrist Blue Dog Coalition.

However, his final years in office were marked by growing scrutiny over his health and calls from younger Democrats for generational change within party leadership. He faced primary challenges in recent election cycles but remained defiant, pushing ahead with his re-election campaign.

Reacting to the development, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries described Scott as a “trailblazer” who dedicated his life to public service and grassroots representation.

“He rose from humble beginnings to become the first African American to chair the House Agriculture Committee and remained committed to delivering for the people of Georgia,” Jeffries said.

The news of his passing was first disclosed during a meeting of the Congressional Black Caucus by its chair, Yvette Clarke, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues.

The White House subsequently ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in his honour.

Scott’s death marks the fourth loss of a Democratic lawmaker in the current Congress, further tightening political calculations in a narrowly divided House.

Despite persistent pressure to step aside, the Georgia Democrat had remained resolute, insisting on continuing his legislative career even as debates intensified over aging leadership in Washington.