State Rep. Penny Houston, R-Nashville, the dean of Tifton's state legislative delegation and a longtime respected member of the General Assembly, announced Tuesday that she is not seeking re-election this year.
Houston, who represents House District 170, which encompasses Berrien County and parts of Tift and Cook counties, has served in the state Legislature for 26 years.
“Today, I’m sharing the bittersweet news that I’ve decided not to run for re-election this year," Houston said Tuesday. "I feel like it’s the right time to retire, spend more time with family, and find new ways to contribute to my community.
"I am so grateful that the people of South Georgia, who first gave me the opportunity to represent them 26 years ago, have entrusted me with their support ever since."
Rep. Clay Pirkle, R-Ashburn, who also represents part of Tift County, told the Tifton Grapevine that it has been "an absolute honor to serve with Penny Houston. There has been no greater advocate for rural Georgia than Penny. She has dedicated much of her life to making the lives of Georgians better. She is a friend, trusted colleague, and servant leader. My heart is full for having served with her."
First elected in 1997, Houston currently chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development. She has consistently promoted development in South Georgia as well as rural healthcare and legislation to aid children and families across the state.
In 2017, Houston received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Georgia Watch, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, which said she has been a champion for “the little guy” and has shown "steadfast dedication to Georgia consumers."
Congressman Austin Scott, R-Tifton, who used to serve in the General Assembly alongside Houston, once said that she "puts the needs of the people above partisanship."
In a statement she released Tuesday, Houston said that "so much has changed since 1997 when I was sworn into the statehouse, but the dedication of the men and women working to make Georgia a better place to live has remained constant.
“Serving in the House has been an honor, and I am so grateful to the people in rural Georgia for giving me the opportunity to be their voice at the Capitol. The friendships, memories, and experiences I have made in the House are a gift that I will always treasure," Houston said.
"It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of South Georgia, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve you.”
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