South Carolina State Representative Garry R. Smith who represents House District 27 in the South Carolina House of Representatives has indicated that this would be his last term. According to Smith, he has been planning this for the last two years and expects to retire from the house after his term expires in January 2023. The House District includes most of the Golden Strip and outlying areas of Simpsonville and Mauldin. Smith has served in the house since May 20 of 2003 when he won a special election to fill the unexpired term of Michael Easterling.

Representative Smith is currently the chairman of the South Carolina House Operations Committee as well as a member of the South Carolina Ways and Means Committee. He is also the chairman of the Communications and Technology ALEC task force.

Smith, who turned 64 in March is a longtime resident of Hunter’s Woods in Simpsonville.

An open District 27 seat will surely attract several candidates for the June 2022 Republican primary. With rumors of Garry retiring, already circulating through the district, one candidate has announced her intention to run for that seat. Simpsonville Chiropractor Cynthia Horner has formed a committee and is currently campaigning for the opportunity to serve District 27. Smith will remain in office through the end of his current term.

Qualified candidates must register for the primary beginning March 16 through March 31. All primaries in Greenville County are held on the second Tuesday in June, unless otherwise challenged by court order. Redistricting that just now has been completed by the house may create challenges through the court system.

Winners of the primaries will be on the ballot for the November 8 general election.■