Austin Scott Wins Ninth Term in Georgia
The Republican congressman secured reelection in Georgia's 8th district, defeating Democrat Kelly Esti in the Tuesday general election.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
Republican Austin Scott won reelection to a ninth term in Congress, representing Georgia's 8th district, after defeating Democrat Kelly Esti in the general election held Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Scott is the most senior member of Georgia's Republican congressional delegation.
Why it matters
Scott's reelection keeps a long-serving member of Georgia's congressional delegation in place, and his committee assignments give the state continued influence on agriculture and defense policy. The result reflects the continuity of representation in a district that includes significant military installations.
Scott has now won nine congressional terms, following seven terms in the Georgia state House before he entered Congress. The source does not provide vote totals or the margin by which he defeated Esti.
The players
Austin Scott
Austin Scott is a Republican congressman from Georgia and the most senior member of the state's Republican congressional delegation, having previously served seven terms in the Georgia state House.
Kelly Esti
Kelly Esti is the Democratic candidate who lost the general election to Austin Scott in Georgia's 8th congressional district.
Jim Jordan
Jim Jordan is a Republican congressman from Ohio who defeated Austin Scott in the 2023 race for House speaker.
The details
The 8th district stretches from just north of metropolitan Macon down through the center of the state to Valdosta and the Florida line, including Valdosta, Thomasville, Tifton, Moultrie, and parts of Warner Robins. The district also contains the Robins and Moody Air Force bases, and Scott serves as vice chair of the House agriculture committee while also sitting on the armed services and rules committees.
Timeline
2023: Scott mounted a brief campaign for House speaker and lost to Jim Jordan.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Scott was reelected to a ninth congressional term.
Political Context
Scott's 2023 bid for House speaker ended in defeat to Jim Jordan, but his reelection to a ninth term shows he retains his seat and remains the most senior Republican in Georgia's congressional delegation. His continued service keeps him in a position of influence on the House agriculture committee, where he serves as vice chair.
Georgia voters in the 8th district, including residents of Valdosta, Thomasville, Tifton, Moultrie, and Warner Robins, now have Scott as their representative for another two-year term. His seat on the agriculture committee means district farming interests will continue to have a senior voice in Washington.
The takeaway
Scott's ninth term underscores how long-serving incumbents can remain influential even after a leadership bid falls short. For Georgia residents, continuity in committee roles can matter as much as the headline result.
Further reading
For more on how the state's races are decided, see Georgia Elections.
