Texas State Representative John Smithee of District 86 announced Friday that he will not seek reelection to the Texas House of Representatives, bringing to a close a legislative career that spans nearly four decades. Smithee, a Republican from Amarillo, was first elected in 1985 and has since become one of the longest-serving members of the Texas Legislature.
In a written statement, Smithee said the decision follows considerable reflection:
After long and prayerful consideration, Becky and I have decided that I will not seek reelection to the Texas House of Representatives after more than four decades of service. Above all, we thank the Lord for giving us this opportunity to serve. We also thank the citizens of the 86th District, who are truly the best people in the world to represent. Representing the Texas Panhandle in the Texas Legislature has been a true honor and privilege for which my family and I will always be grateful.
District 86 covers a broad section of the Texas Panhandle, including Armstrong, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Hartley, Oldham, Parmer, and Randall counties. Over the years, the rural region has seen significant population, economic, and agricultural shifts. Smithee’s long tenure allowed him to influence legislation impacting water resources, energy development, agriculture, education, and rural health care—areas that have remained key concerns for the district.
Smithee most recently served as chairman of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, which reviews legislation related to criminal law, court procedures, and justice system reforms. Prior to this role, he chaired the House Committee on Insurance for many years, where he was involved in policy discussions regarding homeowner insurance, insurance company practices, and consumer protection.
His office highlighted several regional projects he played a part in advancing. Among them were efforts to bring 911 emergency services to Panhandle communities, support that helped bring West Texas A&M University into the Texas A&M University System, and funding for the Texas Tech Schools of Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, he supported initiatives promoting the wind energy industry in the Texas Panhandle and secured state funding for the new state mental hospital currently under construction in Amarillo.
Smithee emphasized that his departure from the legislature does not mean stepping away from community life:
For us, this is not retirement. Becky and I both grew up in the Panhandle and raised our family here. We both hope to continue serving the people of our area in ways other than in elective office. I also hope to have more time to devote to our family, our church, and my law practice.
Candidate filing for the March 2026 primary will begin November 8 and close December 8.
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