David Scott (Georgia politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Scott
Official portrait, c. 2008
Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee
In office January 3, 2023 – January 3, 2025
Preceded by	Glenn Thompson
Succeeded by	Angie Craig
Chair of the House Agriculture Committee
In office January 3, 2021 – January 3, 2023
Preceded by	Collin Peterson
Succeeded by	Glenn Thompson
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 13th district
In office January 3, 2003 – April 22, 2026
Preceded by	Constituency established
Succeeded by	Vacant
Member of the Georgia State Senate from the 36th district
In office January 10, 1983 – January 3, 2003
Preceded by	Jack Stephens
Succeeded by	Sam Zamarripa
Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 37th district
In office January 13, 1975 – January 10, 1983
Preceded by	Bill Stephens
Succeeded by	Georganna Sinkfield
Personal details
Born	David Albert Scott (1945-06-27)June 27, 1945 Aynor, South Carolina, U.S.
Died	April 22, 2026(2026-04-22) (aged 80)
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Alfredia Aaron ​ (m. 1969)​
Children	2
Relatives	Hank Aaron (brother-in-law) Kimani Vidal (grandson)
Education	Florida A&M University (BA) University of Pennsylvania (MBA)
Website

David Albert Scott (born June 27, 1945) was an American politician and businessman. He served as a U.S. representative for Georgia's 13th district from 2003 until his passing on April 22, 2026. A U.S. representative is someone elected by people in a specific area (called a district) to speak for them in the United States Congress.

Before joining Congress, Scott was a Democratic member of the Georgia Legislature, which makes laws for the state of Georgia. He also ran a small business. In his later years in Congress, he was the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, meaning he was the most senior member of his party on that important committee.

Early Life and Education

David Scott was born in Aynor, South Carolina. He went to high school in Daytona Beach, Florida. He earned a bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University. Later, he received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. An MBA is an advanced degree in business management. Scott was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Early Career and Public Service

In 1978, David Scott started his own advertising company called Dayn-Mark Advertising. He named the company after his two daughters, Dayna and Marcie. This business helped place advertisements, like billboards, in the Atlanta area. His wife, Alfredia, later took over leading the company. Scott's family members also helped with his political campaigns over the years.

Before serving in the U.S. Congress, Scott was a state lawmaker in Georgia. He served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1975 to 1983. After that, he served in the Georgia State Senate from 1983 to 2003.

U.S. House of Representatives

Scott in 2019

After the year 2000, Georgia gained a new congressional district, the 13th district. David Scott decided to run for this new seat in 2002. He won the election and began serving in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2003. He was reelected eight times by the people of his district. Sometimes, he ran for reelection without anyone opposing him.

His district covered parts of several counties in Georgia, including Rockdale, Clayton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Douglas, and Fulton counties. The boundaries of his district changed a few times over the years to make sure each district had about the same number of people.

Scott qualified to run for the 2026 election before his passing.

What Committees Did He Serve On?

In the U.S. House of Representatives, lawmakers work in different groups called committees. These committees focus on specific topics, like farming or money. David Scott served on these important committees:

• Committee on Agriculture: This committee deals with issues related to farming, food, and rural areas.
  • Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development
  • Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit
• Committee on Financial Services: This committee handles topics about banks, money, and the economy.
  • Subcommittee on Capital Markets
  • Subcommittee on Financial Institutions

What Groups Did He Join?

Members of Congress also join groups called caucuses. These groups bring together lawmakers who share similar interests or backgrounds. David Scott was part of several caucuses, including:

• Black Maternal Health Caucus
• Blue Dog Coalition (he left this group in 2023)
• Congressional Equality Caucus
• New Democrat Coalition
• Congressional Black Caucus
• U.S.-Japan Caucus
• Congressional Coalition on Adoption
• Rare Disease Caucus
• Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans
• Congressional Taiwan Caucus

Political Views and Actions

David Scott was known for working with members from both major political parties. This is called being bipartisan. He was ranked as one of the most bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia.

Healthcare Policy

Scott voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. This law aimed to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for many Americans.

Economic Policy

Scott supported efforts to help the economy during difficult times. For example, he backed a plan in 2008 to help homeowners who were struggling to pay for their homes. He helped add a part to the plan that set aside money to assist these homeowners.

Marriage Equality

Over time, David Scott's views on marriage evolved. In May 2013, a spokesperson for him stated that "Congressman Scott fully supports marriage equality." This means he supported the right for all people to marry, regardless of their gender.

International Relations

Scott had concerns about the nuclear agreement with Iran. He believed it was not the best deal for the United States or its allies, such as Israel.

Family Life and Later Years

David Scott married Alfredia Aaron in 1969. Alfredia is the sister of the famous Baseball Hall of Fame member, Hank Aaron. David and Alfredia had two daughters, Dayna and Marcye. Their grandson, Kimani Vidal, is a professional football player for the Los Angeles Chargers.

In his later years, David Scott faced some health challenges. These challenges led to concerns among his colleagues about his ability to continue in his leadership role on the House Agriculture Committee. He eventually stepped down from that position.

David Scott passed away on April 22, 2026, at the age of 80. He cast his final vote in the House of Representatives just one day before his passing. Many political leaders shared their respect for Scott after his death. For example, Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Scott as a "trailblazer" who served his district well and became the first African American to chair the House Agriculture Committee.

See also

• List of African-American United States representatives
• List of members of the United States Congress who died in office (2000–present)