Georgia Rep. David Scott Dies At 80

Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., has died astatine nan property of 80, according to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

“Congressman Scott’s passing is profoundly sad,” Jeffries told reporters. “David Scott was a trailblazer who served nan territory that he represented admirably, roseate up from humble beginnings to go nan first African American ever to chair nan House [Agriculture] Committee. He cared astir nan group that he represented. He was fiercely committed to getting things done for nan group of nan awesome authorities of Georgia, and he’ll beryllium profoundly missed.”

NBC News reached retired to Scott’s agency for comment.

Scott was first elected to Congress, representing a territory extracurricular of Atlanta, successful 2002. He was moving for re-election for a 13th word successful nan House.

The first Black president of nan House Committee connected Agriculture, he was replaced arsenic nan committee's apical Democrat by Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., successful 2024 arsenic nan statement looked to bring successful younger committee leadership.

His decease besides follows respective different lawmakers who person died successful caller years. Last year, Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Texas; Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz.; and Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., died past year. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., died earlier this twelvemonth arsenic well.

His decease brings nan statement breakdown successful nan House to 217 Republicans, 212 Democrats and 1 independent — Rep. Kevin Kiley, who caucuses pinch Republicans.

Under Georgia predetermination law, nan politician must state a typical predetermination wrong 10 days of a vacancy, and nan typical predetermination must beryllium astatine slightest 30 days aft that declaration.