Georgia’s 13th Congressional District race just flipped upside down after the sudden death of longtime U.S. Rep. David Scott on April 22. Scott, a veteran lawmaker running for his 13th term at age 80, had recently lost favor with Democratic leadership amid major concerns about his age and health, sparking a flurry of primary challengers. Now, with Scott’s passing, this heavily Democratic metro Atlanta seat is officially wide open, rocking political calculations across Georgia and the nation.
The 13th District sprawls along Atlanta’s suburbs, covering parts of Gwinnett, DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, Henry, and Clayton counties. It is a Democratic stronghold: Scott crushed his last reelection with around 72% of the vote. But now, six Democrats are scrambling to replace a giant whose absence leaves a power vacuum and intense competition.
Democratic hopefuls face off in June 16 runoff
With six Democrats in the running, the primary is expected to go to a runoff on June 16. The candidates have shifted from critiquing an incumbent to fiercely defining themselves in what will be a critical fight over the district’s future direction.
Everton Blair Jr. stands out as a young trailblazer, having made history as the youngest person elected to the Gwinnett County School Board at 26. Blair, also the first Black and openly LGBTQ+ chair of Georgia’s largest school district, brings education leadership shaped by fighting pandemic-era school mask battles. He briefly ran for state schools superintendent but paused to pursue a doctorate at Harvard.
Jasmine Clark, a state legislator who flipped a previously Republican seat in Lilburn, leads Democratic fundraising with more than $1 million raised, signaling strong grassroots and donor support as she mounts a savvy campaign.
Emanuel Jones brings veteran political experience as a long-serving state senator and business owner in DeKalb County. His legislative background includes tackling safe gun storage following a deadly high school shooting, positioning him as a champion of public safety.
Among the more unconventional candidates is Heavenly Kimes, a dentist in Duluth better known for her role on Bravo’s hit reality TV show “Married to Medicine.” Kimes’ campaign has been spotlighted on the series, fueling public debate over her sincerity and ambitions.
Also in the race is Fauntleroy, a former New Jersey police officer turned Gwinnett County pastor advocating for universal healthcare, and Joe Lester, a Conyers dentist with humble roots pledging to defend Social Security and Medicare benefits.
General election matchup heats up
The Democrats’ eventual nominee will face Republican Jonathan James Chavez in the general election this November. Chavez is a military veteran with 23 years in the Air Force and a decorated Iraq campaign record. Currently director of radiology at Piedmont Rockdale, he lost to Scott in 2024 with 28% but looks to capitalize on a now-open seat in this pivotal metro Atlanta district.
This race matters for national balance. The 13th District has long been a Democratic bulwark, but the sudden vacancy introduces uncertainty amid debates over generational change within the party. Nevada and U.S. voters must watch closely as this highly visible contest unfolds due to its implications for Democratic strategy heading into the 2026 midterms.
With voter engagement intensifying, the June primary runoff will serve as a crucial barometer for the party’s direction. Who can unite diverse suburban communities from Gwinnett to Clayton while energizing key constituencies remains in flux.
Election officials urge voters to prepare for the runoff, which promises a tense, high-stakes showdown in one of metro Atlanta’s most populous and politically influential districts.
The Nevada Voice will continue providing breaking updates and candidate profiles as the drama develops in this unexpected and rapidly evolving race.
