Two Democrats, Marcye Scott and Everton Blair Jr., advanced to a runoff in the special election for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, following the death of longtime Rep. David Scott in April. The runoff will be held on August 25, with the winner serving the remaining months of Scott’s term. The district, a heavily Democratic stronghold, will hold a separate general election in November for the full term beginning in January.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The special election featured six candidates, including three Democrats and two Republicans. Marcye Scott, the daughter of the late congressman, secured 47.5% of the vote, while Everton Blair Jr., a former Gwinnett County School Board chairman, received 36.1%. The top Republican, Caesar Gonzales, trailed with 8.5%. Since no candidate secured a majority, Georgia law mandates a runoff between the top two vote-getters.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background on the Special Election
The special election was triggered by the death of Rep. David Scott, who represented the district for nearly 25 years. He died on April 22, just weeks before the scheduled Democratic primary. The district, which includes parts of metro Atlanta and southern suburbs, has been a Democratic stronghold, with Scott winning his final term in 2024 with 71.8% of the vote.
Separate Primary for Full Term
Voters in the district already participated in a separate primary for the full term beginning in January. Jasmine Clark, a Democratic state legislator, won that primary with 56% of the vote and will face Republican Jonathan Chavez in the November general election. Blair, who also ran in the May primary, finished third in that contest.
Election Process and Implications
Georgia law requires all candidates in a special election to appear on a single ballot regardless of party. If no candidate secures a majority, the top two advance to a runoff. The winner of the August runoff will serve until the new congressperson, elected in November, takes office in January. The special election does not affect the outcome of the November general election, which will determine the district’s representation for the next full term.
Candidate Profiles
- Marcye Scott: Daughter of the late Rep. David Scott, she did not run in the regular Democratic primary.
- Everton Blair Jr.: A former Gwinnett County School Board chairman, he previously ran in the May primary for the full term but finished third.
- Caesar Gonzales: The top-performing Republican in the special election, he received 8.5% of the vote.
- Jasmine Clark: The Democratic nominee for the full term, she won the May primary with 56% of the vote.
- Jonathan Chavez: The Republican nominee for the full term, he will face Clark in November.
The runoff will determine who serves the final weeks of Scott’s term, while the November election will decide the district’s representation for the next two years.