Former House Rep. and D.O.T. Commissioner to Seek House Seat

It’s that time of year again where rumors are flying and you take them all with a grain of salt until formal announcements are made. On Saturday afternoon around 3pm, Michele Smith, wife of former House Representative and D.O.T. Commissioner Vance Smith, posted this to her Facebook page:

“An announcement from my husband Vance C. Smith, Jr:
After a lot of prayer and discussion with my wife, Michele, our family, and citizens across Harris, Muscogee, and Troup Counties, I am announcing that I will run for State House District 133. I have always been passionately committed to serving our community and providing a strong voice for our families when they need it most. This community needs a voice at the State Capitol, and with your prayers and support, I will serve you in the State House with the same trusted leadership I provided when I previously served by doing what’s right for our community. I look forward to earning your votes.”

In today’s world, that’s as formal as it gets.

Vance Smith represented House District 129 for 17 years. After redistricting, the seat he now seeks is 133, but is comprised of the same counties; Muscogee, Harris, and Troup. Smith served as the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation from 2009 to 2011 when he resigned abruptly. He also served as a member of the Harris County Board of Commissioners for 4 years with one term as Chairman.

The seat is currently held by John Pezold, who ran against Smith’s son, Kip, in 2012. Kip Smith held the seat for one term before Pezold defeated him in 2012.

Vance Smith is a graduate of Columbus State University and while his background is in construction with Smith Construction Company, more recently he can be found lobbying in Atlanta. He joins Christopher Gyening, a 27 year-old self described “International Relations Activists, Political Activist”, who announced in late September.

The primary for this race takes place in May 2018.

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