Rep. David Scott, a moderate Democrat who represented Georgia's 13th District since 2003, has died at the age of 80. The announcement was made Wednesday by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Gregory Meeks during the Congressional Black Caucus’ weekly luncheon on Capitol Hill. Scott is the fifth member of the 119th Congress to die in office since the term began last year.
Throughout his more than two decades in the House, Scott made history as the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. He served as a leading voice for his party on issues related to farm aid policy and food aid for consumers.
Representing Atlanta’s southern suburbs, Scott was seeking a 13th term in his safely Democratic district. In recent years, his health had been an open question, prompting calls for his retirement. He had not spoken on the floor of the House of Representatives in two years.