US Congressman David Scott from Georgia's 13th District has passed away at 80, his office confirmed.
Senate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described Scott's death as 'deeply sad,' praising him as a 'trailblazer' who served the district admirably and rose to become the first African American to chair the House Agriculture Committee.
Scott had been experiencing persistent back problems and had a surgery in his leg in 2022, forcing him to meet several sessions of the US House with a walking stick or cane.
Reactions poured in from across the political divide, with Speaker Mike Johnson, Governor Brian P. Kemp, and Rep. Grace Meng offering condolences to Scott's family.
Scott's family has not released a statement on his death, but his legacy as a devoted public servant and champion of farmers will be remembered.
