Georgia State Rep. Jasmine Clark joins crowded race to challenge longtime US Rep. David Scott

Georgia State Rep. Jasmine Clark, D-Lilburn delivers remarks at a joint Senate and House press conference on the State School Superintendent’s decision to block an AP African American Studies course at the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Democratic State Rep. Jasmine Clark has entered the race for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District to challenge U.S. Rep. David Scott, the longtime Democratic incumbent who has said he is seeking reelection. 

Clark’s announcement Monday comes at a time when Scott, who received treatment for back problems in November, faces questions about his health. Scott, who has represented the metro Atlanta district since 2003, will celebrate his 80th birthday at the end of the month.

Clark originally decided to run for a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives during the first Trump administration, setting her sights on a Gwinnett County seat that had been in Republican hands for over two decades. Clark ousted an incumbent to win the seat and went on to defend it in 2020, 2022 and 2024 – fending off a Republican challenger last year who was backed by Gov. Brian Kemp.