Clark wins Georgia House race to replace late David Scott

Democrat Jasmine Clark is projected to win the race to represent Georgia’s 13th District, according to Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ).

Clark defeated Republican Jonathan Chavez with over 81 percent of the vote at 58 percent of ballots counted, securing a victory in the blue district outside Atlanta.

The win sends the Georgia state lawmaker and microbiologist to Washington, succeeding the late Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.), who died in April after more than two decades in Congress.

Clark, who has served in the Georgia House since 2019, emerged from a crowded Democratic primary in May, winning more than 56 percent of the vote and avoiding a runoff contest.

Her Democratic primary opponents included former Gwinnett County school board chair Everton Blair, Georgia state Sen. Emanuel Jones (D) and Heavenly Kimes, a dentist and reality TV personality known for appearing on Bravo’s “Married to Medicine.”

Scott’s death dramatically reshaped the contest, which initially featured several Democrats seeking to unseat the longtime incumbent.

Blair ultimately won a separate special election in August to serve the remainder of Scott’s term, defeating the late lawmaker’s daughter , Marcye Scott, in a runoff. But he was not on the November ballot.

Clark faced Chavez, a 23-year Air Force veteran and radiologist who ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

DDHQ rated the race “safe Democratic” heading into Election Day.

A scientist by training, Clark holds a doctorate in microbiology and molecular genetics from Emory University, where she serves as an assistant clinical professor in the nursing school.

She first won election to the Georgia Legislature in 2018, flipping a Republican-held seat in the Atlanta suburbs.

During her time in the state House, the Democrat has emerged as a vocal advocate for abortion rights, public health and education. On the campaign trail, Clark emphasized her scientific background while criticizing President Trump’s policies, particularly on healthcare.