Georgia candidates mourn Scott, celebrate accomplishments

By Andrew Rice
The Center Square

Candidates in Georgia’s 13th congressional district and other state leaders mourned the death of Rep. David Scott, D-Ga.

Scott was first elected to Congress in 2002 and is the fifth member to die in office since January 2025. The Georgia Democrat qualified to seek his 13th term in office but faced pressure from other Democrats to replace him.

Georgia’s partisan primary is set for May 19, and early voting begins April 27. Scott’s name will remain on the Democratic primary ballot, according to the Georgia secretary of state.

Votes cast for Scott will not count in the May 19 primary. Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp is expected to hold a special election to fill Scott’s seat before the upcoming midterm.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Congressman David Scott,” said Emanuel Jones, one of Scott’s challengers. “Georgia has lost a dedicated public servant, and I have lost someone I truly valued as a friend.”

Jones praised Scott’s work in Georgia’s civil rights community.

“He was someone you could talk with, learn from and trust, and that is something I will always carry with me,” Jones wrote.

State Rep. Jasmine Clark, who was also running to challenge Jones, praised Jones’ leadership in the state Senate and his record in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“From his job fairs, to his support of farmers, veterans and HBCUs, Congressman Scott’s impact is woven into the fabric of our community and will live on in Georgia’s story,” Clark wrote in a statement.

Kemp also expressed sadness over Scott’s death, sending his sympathies to the late congressman’s family, while praising his work with Georgia’s agriculture industry. In 2020, Scott was named chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.

“He served his state as a stalwart supporter of Georgia’s agriculture industry — our largest economic driver. Our prayers are with his family, colleagues, and loved ones at this time,” Kemp wrote in a statement.

Georgia House Republicans also praised Scott’s work with agriculture and expressed sympathy for his family.

“He gave voice to Georgia’s No. 1 industry and our farmers,” GOP leaders wrote in a statement. “Republicans and Democrats alike considered him a dear friend, and today, we’re praying for his family’s peace and comfort.”

Heavenly Kimes, another Democrat candidate running in Georgia’s 13th congressional district, sent her condolences to Scott’s family. She also called for continued leadership in the district.

“As we honor his legacy, we also recognize that this moment calls for continued leadership that is present, engaged, and ready to serve,” Kimes wrote in a statement to The Center Square.

“I am committed to stepping forward and building on the foundation he helped create–bringing hands-on experience, real community connection, and a tireless work ethic to this role,” Kimes continued.

Jonathan Chavez, the lone Republican qualified to run in Georgia’s 13th congressional district, praised Scott’s past leadership and offered condolences to his family.

“Our district and our nation have lost a longtime voice in Congress,” Chavez wrote in a statement to The Center Square. “In the days ahead, let us honor his legacy by continuing to work together, across party lines and background, for the good of every family in Georgia’s 13th District.”

Jeffree Fauntleroy, another candidate set to run against Scott, called for greater unity as the campaign season pushes ahead.

“This is a time for unity, where we pause, reflect, and support one another as neighbors, colleagues, and fellow Americans,” Fauntleroy said.