State Representative John Smithee (R-Amarillo) is running for re-election in 2018.
Representative Smithee filed for re-election with the Texas Republican Party on Wednesday. Smithee's application makes him the only candidate running for the state representative seat for district 86.
Smithee has served in the Texas House of Representatives since 1985, when he was elected to succeed Representative Bob Simpson. Smithee has been influential in the passage of several bills and was, at one time, a speculated candidate to become the next speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.
Since 1992, Smithee has only faced two challenges during his career in the Texas House. In 2006, Smithee defeated Libertarian Bill Glover with 86 percent of the vote. In 2008, Smithee defeated Democrat James Wood and Libertarian Kevin Howell with 79 percent of the vote.
Also in the area, incumbent State Representatives Four Price and Ken King are running for re-election in district 87 and district 88, respectively.
Candidates have until December 11th to file for a spot on the ballot.
