Robert C. “Bobby” Scott has been a prominent figure in Virginia politics for decades, representing the state’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993. His extensive career is marked by significant legislative achievements, steadfast advocacy on social and economic issues, and a deep commitment to his constituents.
2024 Election Victory
In the 2024 general election held on November 5, Congressman Scott secured re-election to the U.S. House, continuing his long-standing service to Virginia’s 3rd District. He faced Republican challenger John Sitka III in this race. The Associated Press declared Scott the winner at 9:22 p.m. EST on election night, underscoring his enduring support within the district.
Career Path to Congress
Born on April 30, 1947, in Washington, D.C., to Charles Waldo Scott, a doctor, and Mae Hamlin Scott, a teacher, Bobby Scott was raised in Newport News, Virginia. He attended Groton School in Massachusetts and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts from Harvard University in 1969. Following his undergraduate studies, he served in the Massachusetts National Guard and the United States Army Reserve. In 1973, he obtained his Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School.
Scott’s political career began in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served from 1978 to 1983. He then advanced to the Virginia State Senate, holding office from 1983 to 1993. During his tenure in the General Assembly, Scott successfully sponsored laws critical to Virginians in education, employment, health care, social services, economic development, crime prevention, and consumer protection. Notably, he was instrumental in increasing Virginia’s minimum wage, creating the Governor’s Employment and Training Council, and improving health care benefits for women, infants, and children.
In 1992, Scott was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first African-American elected to Congress from Virginia since Reconstruction and the first member of Congress of Filipino ancestry.
Sponsored Legislation
Scott has been an active legislator throughout his congressional career, sponsoring and co-sponsoring many bills. As the Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce in the 119th Congress, he is serving his sixth term as the Democratic leader of the committee. His main legislative focuses include improving equity in education, expanding access to affordable health care, ensuring workplace safety, and securing dignified retirements for seniors. He has notably championed the Every Student Succeeds Act, the Raise the Wage Act, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, and the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2017, which featured key elements of his Youth PROMISE Act.
Stances on Social Issues
Scott has been a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice. He co-sponsored the Equality Act to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. He supported the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 and led the passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act as Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor. Additionally, he co-sponsored the Do No Harm Act to prevent the misuse of religious freedom as a cover for discrimination.
Stances on Economic Issues
On economic matters, Scott has been a proponent of policies aimed at supporting workers and promoting fiscal responsibility. He opposed the REINS Act, viewing it as an extreme measure that would jeopardize federal agencies’ ability to issue important rules protecting workers and the public. Scott argued that the bill would mandate congressional approval for all major rules within 70 legislative days, allowing politics to dictate regulatory actions, which he deemed harmful and unnecessary.
Demographics of the 3rd Congressional District
Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District encompasses parts of the Hampton Roads region, including portions of Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Newport News. The district is known for its diverse population, with a significant African-American community. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the district has a higher percentage of African-American residents compared to the national average, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.
Controversial Statements
Throughout his tenure, Congressman Bobby Scott has built a reputation for engaging in measured and thoughtful discourse. There are no widely reported instances of controversial statements associated with him, which reflects his commitment to respectful and constructive political engagement.