Amid the countdown to the May 21 primary elections, Rep. David Scott is holding onto his congressional seat for dear life as he faces a sea of Democratic challengers in his reconfigured Atlanta turf. Critics and rivals alike question whether the 78-year-old is too old to effectively serve another term. As early voting kicks off, Scott seems to be sidestepping the competition, zero public appearances in the book. What hangs in the balance is his 12th shot at Washington, this time navigating through a newly-drawn Republican district that has left voters scratching their heads, according to a report by WABE.
Throwing punches at Scott's absence, one of his primary opponents, attorney Brian Johnson, scoffed at Scott's behind-the-scenes campaign, saying, "He's hoping to sneak in office one more time," during an Atlanta Press Club debate. Despite billboards and signs heralding his name, Scott's no-show at debates has opponents up in arms, drawing parallels between him and President Joe Biden's perceived disconnect with the younger electorate. In the eyes of the voters, Scott remains an enigma, as one Rockdale County resident, Beverly Dotson, told WABE, "We don’t know a lot about David Scott, besides him having had this district before."
Money talks in political contests, and Scott seems to have the upper hand with nearly a million dollars padded in his war chest as of March 31. In contrast, his opponent and army veteran, Marcus Flowers, who previously captured the spotlight with a staggering $17 million fundraising feat in 2022 against Marjorie Taylor Greene, has raised a modest $142,000 for this race, ending up with a bank balance just shy of $30,000. Flowers had earlier critiqued Scott's allegiance to corporate donors, expressing concerns that it disconnects him from the community's pulse.
Other candidates vying for Scott's seat are armed with their unique pitches. Former East Point City Councilmember Karen René highlights her insights into local governance and a resolve to meet constituents "where they are in their communities, addressing their needs." Meanwhile, former South Fulton City Councilman Mark Baker lambasts Scott for being too cozy with Republicans, adding that under his watchful eye as a councilman, strides were made toward progressive policy changes, including calling for the end of no-knock raids and pushing for reparations to descendants of slaves. Alfredia Scott, an advisor and the congressman's wife, stands by her man, asserting to WABE that he "will bow out" on his own terms when the time comes, positioned as a more seasoned option than his opponents.
