Current, former politicians from Georgia and elsewhere react to David Scott’s death

Everton Blair, a Democrat who was challenging Scott for his seat in the May 19 primary: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman David Scott. For more than two decades, he answered the call to serve the people of Georgia’s 13th Congressional District with dedication and conviction, and his legacy of public service spans a lifetime of leadership — from the Georgia General Assembly to the halls of the United States congress.”

State Rep. Jasmine Clark, who was challenging Scott in the May 19 Democratic primary: “His legacy of unwavering dedication to public service for more than fifty years will live on. From job fairs, to his support of farmers, veterans, and HBCUs, and more, Congressman Scott’s impact is woven into the fabric of our community and will live on in Georgia’s story.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, now a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate: “I am saddened to hear of this passing of Congressman David Scott. He dedicated his life to serving Georgia and our nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens: “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.”

Former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, now a candidate for governor: “Brooke and I are praying for the family of Congressman David Scott. I join millions of Georgians across the state to mourn his loss.”

Former state Sen. Jason Esteves, now a candidate for governor: “For decades, Congressman Scott championed progress for the hardworking people of Georgia. He dedicated his life to public service and was a strong fighter on critical issues, from agriculture and education to healthcare and criminal justice reform. He represented what it truly meant to be an advocate for your community, and I am grateful for his service to Georgia.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.: “He rose up from humble beginnings to become the first African American ever to chair the House Agriculture Committee. He cared about the people that he represented. He was fiercely committed to getting things done for the people of the great state of Georgia, and he’ll be deeply missed.”

Democratic state Sen. Emmanuel Jones, who was challenging Scott for his seat in the primary: “I knew David too well to be overly critical of him. I’ve known him for a quarter-century. … He has a really powerful legacy here in Georgia from the time he served in the state Senate. And he chaired one of the most powerful committees in DC. He had such deep roots in the community. That’s why he was so fierce and no one could beat him. He was a dear friend.”

Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II: ”His work touched nearly every corner of public life, from expanding access to healthcare and education to strengthening support for veterans to advancing economic opportunity for families in Georgia and beyond. Whether in Atlanta or in DC, he never lost sight of the people he served."

Gov. Brian Kemp: “The State of Georgia joins his family and those he represented for so many years in mourning the passing of Congressman David Scott. A devoted public servant, 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.”

Heavenly Kimes, who was challenging Scott for his seat in the primary: “His years of service to Georgia’s 13th District and his commitment to our community will be remembered and respected. As we honor his legacy, we also recognize that this moment calls for continued leadership that is present, engaged, and ready to serve. 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.”

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga.: “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.”

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price: “It was my privilege to serve as a colleague with Congressman David Scott for 6 years in the Georgia State Senate and 12+ years in the US House of Representatives. He was a wonderfully gracious person and I shall miss him in our body politic.”

U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton: “I was proud to have served with him on the House Agriculture Committee and proud of the many years we shared together in the House. He will be remembered for his tireless service to our state and for his leadership in Washington, D.C. Go rest high on that mountain, Chairman Scott.”

U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, D-Atlanta: “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, ending hunger and supporting our nations Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”