Congressman David Scott of Georgia, a staunch advocate of nutrition assistance programs and the USDA 1890 Scholarships Program who was the first Black lawmaker to chair the House Ag Committee, died Tuesday. He was 80.
A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
“Our hearts go out to Congressman and former Chairman David Scott’s wife Alfredia, family, friends and staff,” House Ag Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig, D-Minn., said in a statement. “He was a strong voice for Georgia’s farmers, hungry veterans and young people – who he helped shape into the next generation of agricultural leaders through his fierce advocacy for the 1890s Scholarship Program at historically Black colleges and universities.”
“The House Agriculture Committee will remember him for his strong faith, kindness and dedication to our nation’s farmers and working people,” Craig said.
Scott’s death marks the fifth vacancy in the lower chamber, placing the margins at 218 Republicans and 212 Democrats. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will have 10 days to call a special election to fill the vacancy.
Scott, who represented a deep blue district including suburbs to the South and West of Atlanta, served in the Georgia House and Senate before being elected to the U.S. House in 2002. He was running for re-election for a 13th term in the House.
He rose through House Ag Committee leadership to become the first African American and first Georgian to lead the panel. He served as chairman from 2021-23 during the 117th Congress, and ranking member from 2023-2025 during the 118th Congress.
David Scott, left, with Colin Peterson, right, who was his predecessor as the top Democrat on the House Ag Committee. (Agri-Pulse photo)“He was committed to improving conditions for America’s farmers and was willing to reach across the aisle to get the job done," Duvall said. "My prayers are with his family during this difficult time, and for the communities he served.”
The full House is set to vote on the farm bill as early as next week which includes renaming the 1890 National Scholarships Program after David Scott. The 1890 institutions are the 19 historically black land-grant universities.
"In recognition of David’s incredible legacy, his beloved Agriculture Committee has advanced legislation to permanently name these grants in his honor," said House Minority Leader Hakeem in a statement Tuesday.
Reaction from lawmakers and ag organizations:
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: "Born in the Jim Crow era, Congressman Scott went on to make history as the first African American to be Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture while fighting at every step along the way for the people he was privileged to represent. Growing up as a child on a farm in a small town in South Carolina, Congressman Scott never forgot his humble roots and always supported our nation’s farmers throughout his public service journey. David championed rural communities, ranchers and producers while making sure that families across the country have access to affordable, nutritious food."
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House Speaker Mike Johnson: “For more than two decades, David faithfully served the people of Georgia’s 13th Congressional District and spent the majority of his life in service to others. We are lifting up David’s wife Alfredia, his two daughters, and his grandchildren in prayer as they mourn.”
House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson: “Mr. Scott was a friend, a brother in the Lord, and an institution on the House Committee on Agriculture. His legacy will live on in the policy he shaped over the years, including the 1890s Scholarship Program. Penny and I were very sad to hear the news of his passing, and I know he will be missed in the halls of Congress."
Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman: "Congressman David Scott was a steadfast advocate and champion for farmers in Georgia and across the country. His leadership helped strengthen the future of American agriculture and his unwavering support for 1890 Land-Grant Institutions leaves a lasting legacy. I valued the friendship he and his wife shared with Cathy and me, and appreciated the opportunity to work alongside him in both the House and the Senate."
Farm Credit Council President and CEO, Christy Seyfert: "David Scott was a steadfast champion for American agriculture, farmers and rural communities. He was a strong supporter of Farm Credit and helped shape agricultural policy throughout his distinguished career. We honor his lasting commitment to support the next generation of farmers."
National Farmers Union President, Rob Larew: “Representative Scott was a fierce champion for agriculture, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and constituents during this difficult time. As former chair of the House Agriculture Committee, he fought tirelessly for family farmers and ranchers in Georgia and across the nation. His work to broaden the tent of agriculture and expand opportunities for minority farmers will leave a lasting mark. We are grateful for his leadership and service to American agriculture.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President and Georgia native, Zippy Duvall: “Throughout his five decades of public service at the state level and then in Congress, Representative Scott kept the well-being of others at the center of his efforts. I had the pleasure of getting to know David during his time in the Georgia Assembly, and our relationship grew during his tenures as the ranking member and chair of the House Agriculture Committee ... My prayers are with his family during this difficult time, and for the communities he served.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash.: “I send deep condolences to the family, friends and constituents of Rep. David Scott on his sudden passing. I am grateful to have worked closely with Rep. Scott on furthering regenerative agriculture strategies and other issues.”
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