He cast his final vote - a yea - on Tuesday for a bill on the construction of hydropower projects.

Scott, who was born in rural South Carolina in 1945, had been dismissive of retiring, saying in 2024 that he was "in good health, moving and doing the people's work".

His death is the latest to rock the House since last year, including Democratic congressmen Sylvester Turner of Texas, Raúl Grijalva of Arizona and Gerry Connolly of Virginia. Republican congressman Doug LaMalfa also died earlier this year.

The balance of power in the House now stands at 217 Republicans, 212 Democrats and one independent, who caucuses with Republicans.

Georgia's election law requires the state governor to declare a special election within 10 days of a seat vacancy. The election must be held at least 30 days after such a declaration.