Marcye Scott Plans Run for Father's GA-13 Seat After His

Gov. Brian Kemp has until May 2 to call a special election for Georgia's 13th Congressional District following U.S. Rep. David Scott's death on April 22 at age 80. Marcye Scott, one of his two daughters, plans to enter the race to finish her father's term through January 3, 2027, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Her entry tests whether name recognition trumps the progressive challengers who nearly toppled him in recent primaries.

Scott's Hold Weakened Despite D+21 Rating

Georgia's 13th District rates D+21 on the Cook Partisan Voting Index, a lock for Democrats in general elections. David Scott won his last two easily: 82 percent over Caesar Gonzales in 2022 and 72 percent over Jonathan Chavez in 2024, per Ballotpedia records.

Primaries told a different story. Challengers forced Scott into runoffs and close calls. In 2020, state Rep. Michael Owens held him to 57 percent in the runoff. The field grew crowded for 2026's May 19 primary for the full term.

Marcye Scott enters a district restless for change. Voters in DeKalb, Gwinnett, and parts of Clayton and Henry Counties pushed turnout in primaries, drawn by criticism of Scott's age, health, and missed votes in local elections.

Marcye Scott Steps From Campaign Aide to Candidate

Marcye Scott helped her father's campaigns with fundraising and grassroots work, as detailed in his obituary and past AJC profiles. She worked alongside sister Dayna in family business tied to his office. Her pitch centers on continuity: “I’m stepping in because I believe in the work my father did for public health and economic justice in GA-13,” she told the AJC.

That legacy includes ranking on the House Agriculture Committee, where Scott championed Black farmers before Democrats removed him in 2024 over health concerns. Marcye lacks elected experience. Challengers like state Rep. Jasmine Clark raised over $1 million by April 2026, dwarfing Scott's hauls, Georgia Recorder reported.

State Sen. Emanuel Jones and former Gwinnett School Board chair Everton Blair also built war chests past $380,000 and $622,000 respectively. Marcye starts from scratch but inherits loyalists who powered David Scott's wins despite close calls.

Kemp Controls the Timeline in Democratic Stronghold

Georgia law requires Kemp to issue the writ within 10 days of certification, likely by May 2. He sets primary and general dates, typically 2-3 months out. Democrats worry delays, given Kemp's redistricting push post-Supreme Court ruling, as noted in the same AJC piece.

Republicans see no path in D+21 turf. Their focus stays on statewide races. The special winner serves the unexpired portion of David Scott's term until January 3, 2027. The May 19, 2026 primary and November 2026 general election are for the full term beginning January 3, 2027. That slate includes Clark, Jones, Blair, Heavenly Kimes, and Jeffree Fauntleroy, Ballotpedia lists.

Marcye Scott's run forces a choice: stick with the family brand or back insurgents eyeing generational shift. Turnout decides in a district where Scott survived by mobilizing Black voters and moderates.

Primary Fighters Gear Up for Special Clash

Jasmine Clark polled tied for first in March 2026 internal data, per her Threads post. She attacked Scott's voting record, revealing he skipped six straight local elections. Jones called him a friend but ran anyway. Blair pitched education credentials.

David Scott raised just $57,500 in Q1 2026 amid health scrutiny. Challengers combined for millions, signaling fracture. Marcye must consolidate that base quickly. Her father's death pauses attacks but resets the field.

Kemp's announcement triggers filing. Expect the primary field to jump in, testing if legacy shields her from the same scrutiny that hounded him. Democrats hold the seat regardless. The fight stays intra-party.

Gov. Kemp calls the election by May 2. Filing deadlines and dates follow his writ, with the winner sworn soon after the general.