Everton Blair won a special election runoff on Tuesday to represent Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, according to a projection by Decision Desk HQ. Blair, a former Gwinnett School Board Chair, defeated Marcye Scott to fill the remainder of the term vacated by her late father, Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.).
The seat became vacant following the death of David Scott in April. The late congressman had served in the House of Representatives for more than 20 years and held the distinction of being the first Black chair of the House Agriculture Committee.
The special election runoff followed an initial all-party vote in July, where Marcye Scott led the field but did not secure a majority. Although Blair won the runoff for the short-term seat, he previously placed third in a May primary for the full congressional term. Democratic state Rep. Jasmine Clark won that primary and is currently positioned to contest the seat in the general election for the term beginning in 2027.
While Blair has secured the right to finish the current term, the long-term representation of the district remains a separate matter. Residents will see a different candidate on the ballot for the full two-year term starting in January 2027, as state Rep. Jasmine Clark holds the Democratic nomination for the general election. The district is described as a Democratic stronghold, meaning the winner of the Democratic primary is the favored candidate to win the seat in the November general election.
The transition in leadership marks the end of a two-decade era under David Scott, who had defended the seat since 2002. Constituents will notice the change in representation immediately as Blair is sworn in to complete the remaining months of the calendar year. Following the November general election, the seat will transition again in January to whichever candidate wins the full-term race. Blair's victory concludes the special election process triggered by the April vacancy.