David Scott was an American politician and businessman who served as the U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 13th congressional district for more than two decades. He gained public attention for making history as the first African American to chair the House Committee on Agriculture, and for his remarkable tenure of over 50 years in elected office.
Quick Facts
Full Name: David Albert Scott
Age: 80 (born June 27, 1945 – died April 21, 2026)
Nationality: American
Occupation: Politician, Businessman
Known For: First Black Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee; 12-term U.S. Congressman from Georgia
Marital Status: Married to Alfredia Aaron Scott (57 years)
Children: Two daughters, Dayna and Marcye
Early Life and Background
Scott was born on June 27, 1945, in Aynor, South Carolina, and was raised on a farm during the Jim Crow era. He grew up in Florida and graduated from Florida A&M University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), before earning an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1969. He later moved to Georgia, where he built a successful billboard advertising business with his wife.
Career and Achievements
Scott began his political career in the Georgia House of Representatives in 1975, serving until 1983. He then won election to the Georgia State Senate, where he served for 20 years from 1983 to 2003. In 2002, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Georgia’s 13th congressional district, and took office in 2003.
During his 12 terms in Congress, Scott was a longtime member of the House Financial Services Committee, focusing on banking, housing, and consumer-finance issues . In 2021, he made history as the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, overseeing federal farm policy, nutrition programs, and rural development.
Among his legislative accomplishments, Scott secured $80 million for HBCU land-grant schools as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, funding agriculture-related scholarships at 19 campuses . He also helped secure $150 million in scholarships for students attending 1890 African American Land-Grant colleges and universities. He was a firm supporter of Israel in the House and backed military assistance packages after October 7.
Scott was also the brother-in-law of baseball legend Hank Aaron, having married Aaron’s sister, Alfredia. His grandson is NFL running back Kimani Vidal.
Major Event or Controversy
In his final years, Scott faced questions about his health from colleagues, though he dismissed calls to retire. In 2024, he said: “Thank God I’m in good health, moving and doing the people’s work”. After the 2024 election, fellow Democrats voted to remove him as the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee due to health-related absences. Despite this, he was running for a 13th term at the time of his death.
Why He Is In the News
Scott is in the news following his death on April 21, 2026, at age 80. He had been on Capitol Hill casting votes the day before he died . House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed his death, calling him “a giant” and “a trailblazer who rose up from humble beginnings to become the first African American ever to chair the House Agriculture Committee”.
Conclusion
David Scott was a trailblazing Georgia congressman who devoted more than half a century to public service, from the Georgia State House to the halls of Congress. He leaves behind a legacy as a champion for farmers, HBCUs, veterans, and working families, and as a barrier-breaking leader who never forgot his humble roots on a South Carolina farm.
