An incumbent state representative lost out Tuesday to his Republican challenger, while other incumbents in state and national spots secured their parties’ favor.
District 133 state Rep. Kip Smith of Columbus lost his seat to fellow Republican challenger John Pezold, also of Columbus, who took 52 percent of votes district wide. In Troup County, however, Smith was favored with 51.33 percent of votes, 2,185 to Pezold’s 2,072.
District 133 covers part of southern Troup County, most of Harris County and a portion of Muscogee County. There is no Democratic candidate for the seat.
Pezold said this morning that he was glad the election was over and said he felt “oddly calm” over the win.
“I knew we had put all the work in the last six months and yesterday it ultimately was in voters’ hands,” he said. “With that in mind I felt comfortable … I feel good, we did what we expected to do, which is win.”
Pezold said the first issue he wants to address when he is expected to take the seat in January is ethics reform. He said he is passionate about the issue and that people’s trust in government is essential.
As of press time, Smith had not returned a message requesting comment this morning.
In other races, incumbent U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland of Grantville will remain in his seat after receiving 71.6 percent of the vote, with 64,745 votes in the Third Congressional District. In Troup County, he received more than 75 percent of votes – 7,185 – against Republican challengers Kent Kingsley of Milner and “Chip” Flanegan of Jonesboro. Flanegan received 1,383 votes in Troup and 13,134 district wide, and Kingsley received 972 in Troup and 12,510 total.
Westmoreland has no Democratic challenger. Also unopposed in the primary and general elections are U.S. Sen. Mike Crane and state Sen. Josh McKoon.
District 69 state Rep. Randy Nix of LaGrange had no Republican opposition. He will face Democrat Herbert Giles of Carrollton, who also ran unopposed on his party’s ticket, in November.
Also unopposed on their respective parties’ tickets were District 132 state Rep. incumbent Carl Von Epps, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Gene King. The two will face off on the November ballot.
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