Six Candidates Battle for Open Georgia Congressional Seat After Rep. Scott’s Death
The death of longtime Rep. David Scott has turned a crowded primary challenge into Georgia’s first open congressional race in over 20 years.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Six candidates are competing for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District seat following the death of U.S. Rep. David Scott last month, transforming what began as an uphill challenge against a longtime incumbent into an open race for the first time since 2002.
The Democratic primary field includes state Rep. Jasmine Clark, state Sen. Emanuel Jones, Everton Blair, Jeff Fauntleroy, Dr. Heavenly Kimes and Dr. Joe Lester. Scott’s death in April has altered the dynamics of a race that originally featured candidates hoping to unseat the district’s first-ever representative.
Early voting is already underway for the May 19 Democratic primary. If no candidate receives a majority, a runoff will be held in June. The Democratic nominee will face Jonathan James Chavez, a radiology director and the sole Republican who qualified, in the November general election.
Race Dynamics Shift After Scott’s Death
Before Scott’s death, the six candidates called for fresh leadership in the district. The field includes two state lawmakers, two dentists, a preacher and a former local school board chair, according to the Georgia Recorder.
With the seat now open, candidates are battling for frontrunner position and have begun sharpening attacks on one another. Some are scrutinizing opponents’ voting histories and political campaign contributions as they seek to distinguish themselves in the crowded field.
District Background and Changes
The 13th Congressional District was created after the 2000 census to be reliably Democratic, according to University of Georgia political scientist Charles Bullock. Scott was the first person ever elected to represent the new district when it was established.
Bullock said the district outline initially looked like a “dead cat on the expressway” because of its gerrymandered shape when first drawn. While still considered a safe Democratic seat, the district has changed significantly since its creation.
The district now includes the southern parts of Clayton and Henry counties, as well as Gwinnett County, a fast-growing area north of Atlanta. These geographic changes have altered the political landscape that candidates must navigate.
Special Election Also Planned
A special election will be held to fill the remainder of Scott’s current term, though the source material did not include complete details about the timing of that election.
Scott’s death last month ended his long tenure representing the district, creating the first open-seat race since the district’s establishment more than two decades ago. The longtime congressman’s passing has given each of the six candidates a realistic path to victory that would not have existed while challenging an established incumbent.
The outcome of the May 19 primary will determine which Democrat advances to face Chavez in what is expected to remain a strongly Democratic district in the general election.
