LISTEN: With Scott’s death, Gov. Brian Kemp will need to call a special election to select someone to fill the remainder of his term. GPB’s Sarah Kallis explains.

 

Democratic U.S. Rep. David Scott speaks to reporters, March 4, 2024, at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta, after qualifying to run for reelection to Congress in suburban Atlanta's 13th Congressional District. Although Democratic challengers say Scott is old and out of touch, the 78-year-old incumbent is ignoring them as he seeks a 12th term in Congress.

Democratic U.S. Rep. David Scott speaks to reporters, March 4, 2024, at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta, after qualifying to run for reelection to Congress in suburban Atlanta's 13th Congressional District. Although Democratic challengers say Scott is old and out of touch, the 78-year-old incumbent is ignoring them as he seeks a 12th term in Congress.

Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Amy, File

U.S. Rep. David Scott, who was seeking a 13th term in Congress, died Wednesday at age 80. 

With Scott’s death, Gov. Brian Kemp will need to call a special election to select someone to fill the remainder of Scott's term, which ends in early January. 

Kemp must call the special election within the next 10 days. Whoever wins will only fill in for the rest of Scott's term. 

The May 19 primary election and the November general election will decide who will represent the 13th District starting in January. 

Scott's name will appear on the May 19 primary ballot because the ballots have already been printed, the secretary of state's office said, but signs will be placed in polls to let voters know he has died.

Tags: Georgia  Georgia Politics  elections  David Scott  Congress  Primary Election  Gov. Brian Kemp  GPB News