U.S. House District 8: Austin Scott to face U.S. Navy veteran in November

The longest-serving member of Georgia’s Republican congressional delegation will face a U.S. Navy veteran in the November general election.

Austin Scott, of Tifton, is running for a ninth term representing Georgia’s 8th Congressional District.

Kelly Esti won the May 19 Democratic primary to challenge Scott. Esti lives in Hapeville, which is outside of the district stretching from Macon through south-central Georgia to the Florida border.

Members of Congress are not legally required to live within the district they represent. Esti said he grew up in southern Mississippi and chose to run in the largely rural 8th district because it “is a reflection of the people who made me into who I am.”

Scott is known as a low-key lawmaker but in 2023, amid a leadership struggle in the U.S. House he surprised many by launching an unexpected, and ultimately unsuccessful bid for speaker. He said at the time he was motivated by frustration over the leadership gridlock.

Scott won reelection in the solidly Republican district by 37 points in 2024.