The special election to fill the late Rep. David Scott’s seat has moved to a runoff scheduled for August 25. Marcye Scott and Everton Blair Jr. will compete to serve the remainder of Scott’s term, after neither secured the necessary 50% majority to win outright. Marcye Scott garnered 47.5% of the vote, while Blair received 36.1%, according to the Associated Press. Republican Caesar Gonzales trailed with 8.5%.

The eventual winner will complete Scott’s current term in Georgia’s predominantly Democratic 13th Congressional District. The regular election for the full-term position, beginning in January, is set for November 3. In that election, Democratic state Rep. Jasmine Clark will face Republican Jonathan Chavez. Clark secured the Democratic nomination with 56% of the vote during the May primary.

The August runoff follows Georgia’s election law requiring a candidate to win more than 50% to avoid a runoff. Tuesday’s special-election ballot included all candidates regardless of party. Six candidates ran, though Tony Brown was disqualified due to a bounced qualifying fee check.

Marcye Scott, David Scott’s daughter, expressed her intention to carry on her father’s projects, particularly his federal funding requests. She announced her candidacy at her father’s funeral, highlighting her significant involvement in his campaign work, fundraising, and community outreach.

Her opponent, Everton Blair Jr., served on the Gwinnett County Board of Education and later became its chairman. Blair holds degrees in applied mathematics and education leadership and emphasizes his experience in education policy as integral to his campaign.

The outcome of this runoff will further shape the Democratic tally in the House of Representatives, which currently holds 212 seats compared to the Republicans’ 218. Once the runoff is decided, the balance will shift slightly, with Democrats potentially holding 213 seats.

The 13th District spans parts of Clayton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Henry, and Newton counties, and includes all of Rockdale County. In 2024, David Scott carried the district with 72% of the vote. During the same period, Kamala Harris gained 71% in the presidential vote.