By Ross Williams | Deputy Editor
Congressman David Scott has been a voice in Georgia politics for more than half a century.
Scott’s office announced his death Wednesday.
In today’s newsletter, we bring fond remembrances from people who worked with Scott under Georgia’s Gold Dome and in the U.S. Capitol.
We’ve also got reaction from his opponents — Scott was running for a 13th term in Congress, and his death comes less than a week before early voting was set to begin. Scroll down and read what you need to know about what comes next in the 13th Congressional District.
And two wildfires are blazing in south Georgia, leading to a first-of-its-kind burn ban and state of emergency across 91 counties.
A yard sign in support of Congressman David Scott’s reelection is pictured on April 22, 2026 in south DeKalb County. Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder
ELECTION
Scott’s rivals take a break from politics after the longtime congressman’s death upends the election
By Alander Rocha and Maya Homan
Georgia Congressman David Scott’s death has upended next month’s primary election, when the longtime Democratic lawmaker had planned to defend the metro Atlanta seat against a crowded field of intraparty challengers.
Scott, the first and only elected official to represent the 13th Congressional District after it was created in the early 2000s, qualified to run for another term last month, when he dodged reporters and raised even more questions about his fitness to serve. That means his name will appear on the ballot for the May 19 state primary election, according to Mike Hassinger, a spokesperson for the secretary of state’s office.
Congressional Black Caucus member Rep. David Scott addresses a news conference about health care reform at the U.S. Capitol in 2009. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
OBITUARY
By Ross Williams
Congressman David Scott, who rose from humble origins to a 50-year career in politics, including more than 20 years in Congress, has died. Those who worked with him say they’ll remember him as a man of dignity and respect.
A crew from the Georgia Forestry Commission pictured responding to the fire in Clinch County. Photo courtesy of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources
EMERGENCY
By Alander Rocha
After the Georgia Forestry Commission issued its first ever mandatory burn ban for 91 counties in the lower half of the state, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for those same counties due to two wildfires that are expected to grow and cause hazy conditions across the state at least until Saturday.
An active state of emergency order allows the governor to mobilize the Georgia National Guard troops to help with response and recovery.
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FROM OUR DC BUREAU
ICYMI FROM THE RECORDER
Georgia Democrats decry steep drop in ACA enrollment | Alander Rocha and Jill Nolin
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