‘The greatest experience of my life’: Reflect on Rep. Reggie Smiths time in office

SHERMAN, Texas (KXII) - With the November General Election now in the rearview, we look forward to a changing of the guard in January.

One incumbent that Grayson and Fannin County residents will say goodbye to is Texas State Representative, Reggie Smith.

Smith was first elected to represent House District 62 in 2018. He was then re-elected in 2020 and 2022.

"I decided to run because this district needed good, conservative, competent leadership to represent it in Austin," Smith said.

Smith was seeking re-election for a fourth two-year term but he was unseated by Shelley Luther in the March Primary Election.

He now reflects on his time representing the unique needs of HD-62.

"I just can't thank this district enough for sending me three times down to the Texas legislature to represent their interest in Austin," Smith said.

Smith says he is proud of what he has achieved locally.

"I knew that the county was about to go through some major growth and major development in the next few years, and I wanted to have the opportunity to lead," Smith said.

On the state level, Smith said he helped with several 'conservative accomplishments'.

"I'm extremely proud of the fact that we were able to pass an $18 billion property tax cut, that we were able to permanently ban abortion in the state of Texas, that we passed constitutional carry, that we passed a transgender modification ban and the list just goes on and on," Smith said.

During his tenure in the Texas House, there were unforeseen obstacles.

"We did have tremendous challenges that we faced in the last three sessions," Smith said, "We had COVID-19, we had the winter storm."

While Smith's time as state representative is limited, he will never forget the six years he had.

"It's been the greatest experience of my life and a real privilege to represent this area," Smith said, "It's been a phenomenal experience."

His last day in office is in mid-January.

Newly elected Texas State Representative, Shelley Luther, will then take over HD-62 for the next two years.