U.S. House District 13: Jasmine Clark wins Democratic nomination

State Rep. Jasmine Clark initially signed up to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. David Scott. But his death on April 22 turned the race for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District into a wide-open contest.

Clark won the Democratic primary on May 19. She will face Republican Jonathan Chavez, who had no primary opponent.

Scott, who was 80, had fallen out of favor with Democratic Party leaders recently over concerns about his age and health. They ousted him as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee in 2024.

In recent years, Scott avoided community events and did not participate in debate or door-to-door campaigning. He attracted a bevy of younger primary challengers, highlighting a debate within the party over its future.

Six Democrats ran in the primary, and Scott’s death shifted the focus of the race. Instead of criticizing an incumbent, the candidates focused more on themselves — and one another.

The 13th District is heavily Democratic; Scott won reelection in 2024 with about 72% of the vote. It stretches around the perimeter of Atlanta’s suburbs from Gwinnett down to DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, Henry and Clayton counties.

Here’s a look at the candidates.