Vance Smith plans a political comeback

Former Republican legislator Vance C. Smith Jr. wants to go back to the Georgia House of Representatives.

In a message posted on his wife Michelle’s Facebook page Saturday afternoon, Smith announced that he intends to be a candidate for State House District 133 in 2018. That post is being vacated by Rep. John Pezold, R-Columbus, who defeated incumbent Kip Smith — the Pine Mountain businessman’s son — in the Republican primary in 2012.

At the end of the 2017 Georgia General Assembly, Pezold — who has held the seat for three consecutive two-year terms — announced that he would not be a candidate for re-election next year.

In 2009, Vance Smith, a former member of the Georgia House Transportation Committee, was elected Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation, overseeing a $2 billion annual budget and around 5,000 employees. He resigned that position unexpectedly in 2011.

Vance C. Smith Jr.

Smith was a member of the Harris County Board of Commissioners for four years and served one term as chairman. He held the  Georgia House District 129 post for 17 years serving a district that included Muscogee, Harris and Troup counties. Those are the same counties that now make up District 133.

A graduate of Columbus State University, Smith was the owner of Smith Construction Company, a family-owned business. He is the father of three adult children.

His formal announcement follows:

“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.”