Former State Senator Vincent Fort challenging Congressman David Scott for U.S. House seat

Once listed as the second-ranking Democrat in the Georgia Senate, Atlanta resident Vincent Fort has announced his plans to challenge Congressman David Scott, Representative for the 13th Congressional District, in the next election. Scott was first elected to Congress in 2002.

Scott has successfully fended off challengers in the past, but some are pointing to suggestions of poor health in Congressman Scott which may lead to others jumping in the race beyond Fort. Scott, who leads the House Agriculture Committee, downplayed the concerns saying he is, “strong and vibrant as a roaring lion.” In 2020, Scott captured 53% of the vote as he defeated Keisha Waites (now a member of the Atlanta City Council) and Michael Owens (a current candidate for Georgia Secretary of State).

Fort’s sudden entry into the race came just days after Politico published a lengthy report questioning Scott’s health. In making his announcement Fort did not mention Scott’s health, instead of saying he is running because the district needs someone “who is present and progressive.”

Liberal former legislator Fort is setting up a battle to represent the district that is Atlanta-based but takes in a huge swath of South Cobb County. In describing the district, Fort said, “It needs someone who believes in Democratic ideals and someone who doesn’t vote like a South Georgia Republican. It needs someone who believes in Medicare for All and doesn’t side with the big banks and predatory lenders.” 

Scott’s record in Congress includes serving as a member of the Blue Dog Coalition of conservative Democrats. Critics say he supported then-President George W. Bush’s tax cuts, backed Republican-led foreign policy efforts, and endorsed then-U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson’s reelection bid in 2016 over Democratic candidate Jim Barksdale.

Fort, who is seen as a member of the left-wing of the Democratic Party, backed Bernie Sanders – a democratic socialist – in his race for U. S. President, called for the decriminalization of marijuana, free tuition at Atlanta city colleges, and is supportive of other left-leaning initiatives.