Rep. David Scott has died at age 80, his office confirmed Wednesday, bringing an abrupt end to a congressional career that spanned more than two decades. His office said the death was unexpected but did not provide a cause.

Scott, a Democrat, had served in the U.S. House since 2003 and was seeking a 13th term representing a safely Democratic district in the Atlanta area. In recent years, he had faced calls from some colleagues and members of his party to step aside amid concerns about his health and leadership, The Washington Post reported.

Following his last reelection, House Democrats voted to remove Scott as the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee. The move came after a series of health-related absences that raised concerns among colleagues about his ability to continue in the role.

With Scott’s death, the balance of power in the House shifts slightly, with Democrats now holding 212 seats and Republicans holding 217. The chamber also includes one independent who was previously elected as a Republican.