In a shock to the political landscape of Georgia, U.S. Representative David Scott has passed away, just days prior to early voting in a crucial Democratic primary. The 80-year-old Congressman, who had served Georgia’s 13th Congressional District since 2003, died unexpectedly on April 22, 2023. His death leaves an air of uncertainty over the election, with several Democratic candidates vying for his position.
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Dr. Heavenly Kimes, a notable cast member on the reality television series “Married to Medicine” and a cosmetic dentist by profession, was competing against Scott for the House seat. Kimes expressed her sorrow on social media, stating that she was “deeply saddened” by the news of Scott’s passing. She had launched her campaign to unseat Scott just a month prior, heightening the stakes for the Democratic primary set to take place on May 19. With the election approaching rapidly, Kimes’ campaign has been heavily influenced by Scott’s sudden demise.
In a heartfelt statement issued to PEOPLE, Kimes paid tribute to Scott, acknowledging his contributions and dedication to the community over his decades-long career. “Congressman Scott was a dedicated advocate for his community, working to uplift families, support economic growth, and champion the issues that mattered to the people he served,” Kimes remarked. She also extended condolences to Scott’s family and friends, emphasising the lasting impact of his public service.
Kimes’ political aspirations had initially aimed for a state-level position, but she pivoted to run for federal office in response to Scott’s candidacy. Her motivations appear to stem from a desire to address key issues such as affordability, healthcare, and education within the community. Kimes has positioned herself as a change agent, seeking to represent the interests of the people in her district.
Although Scott enjoyed a long tenure in Congress, he faced scrutiny over his decision to seek re-election amid concerns about his health and age. This criticism was increasingly apparent as several candidates, including Kimes, rallied support to challenge his candidacy. Polls conducted prior to his death indicated that Scott was the narrow frontrunner, with Kimes trailing behind. Reports from a March poll showed Scott leading with around 30 percent of the vote, closely followed by state Representative Jasmine Clark, while Kimes garnered about 10 percent.
As a result of Scott’s unexpected death, the Georgia Secretary of State has announced that votes cast for him in the upcoming primary will not be counted, creating further complications for the ballot. This decision has created a sense of urgency among the remaining candidates as they prepare for the possibility of a runoff in June.
Scott’s death marks the fifth loss among members of the 119th Congress that began in January 2025, raising concerns about the continuity of representation and the impact of such changes on legislative processes. The transition to new leadership will not only affect the Democratic primary but will also set the stage for the general election, where the successful candidate is poised to face Republican Jonathan James Chavez in November.
As the political dynamics shift in the 13th Congressional District, Kimes and her fellow contenders are now left to navigate a campaign marked by this tragic event. The race promises to be compelling as candidates rally to express their visions for the future amidst the reverberations of Scott’s legacy.