Georgia Democratic Congressman David Scott, dead at 80
Congressman David Scott (GA-13) has passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of public service and advocacy for HBCUs, veterans, and farmers. The post Georgia Democratic Congressman David Scott, dead at 80 appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.
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Georgia Congressman David Scott (GA-13) has passed away. Scott, a native of Aynor, South Carolina, was 80. Scott was preparing to run for another term in office. He had been a member of Congress since being elected in 2003 to represent District 13, which includes parts of Clayton, Henry, DeKalb, Newton, and Rockdale counties. Scott remains very popular with constituents in Clayton County, where he had an office on Main Street in Jonesboro for decades.
Scott joined the Georgia House of Representatives in 1975 and successfully ran for and was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1983. A graduate of Historic Black College and University (HBCU), Florida A&M University, and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Scott is the brother-in-law of the late Atlanta Braves great and Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. Scott is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alfredia Scott, Aaron’s sister, and the couple’s two daughters.
Colleagues of Scott’s, including those running for his seat, have publicly expressed their feelings about his passing and his career as a public servant.
“Today, I join people across Georgia and this nation in extending my sincere condolences to Congressman David Scott and his family during this time of loss,” said Dr. Jeff Fauntleroy, Sr., one of the candidates in the District 13 race.
“In moments like these, we are reminded that service to the people rises above politics. Regardless of party or position, we stand together in compassion, respect, and shared humanity.”
United States Senator Jon Ossoff (GA-D) said of Scott’s passing in a statement: Alisha and I join all Georgians in mourning the passing of Congressman David Scott.
“We send our deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Alfredia, his daughters Dayna and Marcye, the entire Scott family, and his entire staff during this difficult time.
“Congressman Scott devoted his life to public service and the State of Georgia, elected to the Georgia State House in 1974 and the State Senate in 1982 before being elected to Congress in 2002.
“The State of Georgia is a better place thanks to the service of Congressman Scott.
“May his memory be a blessing.”
Fellow member of Congress, Nikema Williams, said in a statement that Scott was an advocate for HBCUs and their students.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague, Congressman David Scott. He devoted his life to public service and never wavered in his commitment to lifting up the voices of those in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District and communities across our state and country. As the first Black Chair of the House Agriculture Committee in the United States House of Representatives, he leaves a legacy of working to expand our agricultural sector, make food more affordable, end hunger, and support our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
And Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said this of Scott: “Atlanta joins the state of Georgia in mourning the passing of Congressman David Scott, one of Georgia’s longest-serving voices in Washington, D.C., and a tireless advocate for the people he served. For decades, he fought for Georgia farmers, advocated for our veterans, and ensured his constituents were supported at the street level with job and health fairs, serving tens of thousands of Georgians over the years. His legacy is one of service, perseverance, and deep commitment to this state. My thoughts are with his wife, Alfredia Aaron, his children, his extended family, his colleagues, and all who were impacted by his work.”
The post Georgia Democratic Congressman David Scott, dead at 80 appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.
