Columbus-area seat in Georgia House heading to a Republican runoff

The race for the Columbus-area seat in the Georgia House previously held by Rules Chairman Richard Smith will be decided in a runoff between two Republicans.

A special election Tuesday narrowed the field to Sean Knox, the president of a pest control company, and Carmen Rice, the chairwoman of the Muscogee County Republican Party. The runoff will be held May 7.

Smith, who had served in the House since 2004 and led the powerful Rules Committee since 2020, died in January at age 78.

The winner of the runoff will represent the district for the rest of the year but will have to run for election again in November for a full two-year term.

Knox and Rice received the most votes among four candidates in the special election, but neither received a majority of the votes needed to avoid a runoff. House District 139 covers parts of Harris and Muscogee counties.

About the Author

Republicans search for a winning formula after election setbacks

Georgia's GOP members of Congress reflect on election night shift to Democrats, with Marjorie Taylor Greene saying: Deliver on promises or ‘don’t expect return customers.'

Government shutdown is now the longest ever. Here’s how it’s affecting the state.

From air travel to food assistance to small business loans, Georgians are feeling the effects of the extended federal government shutdown.

‘Landslide’ PSC sweep jolts Georgia Democrats ahead of 2026 midterms

Georgia Democrats put Republicans 'on notice' ahead of 2026 midterms with Public Service Commission wins.

The Latest

Credit: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

OPINION

Republicans search for a winning formula after election setbacks

HOUSE DISTRICT 106

Democrats head to runoff election in Gwinnett state House race

OPINION

Dick Cheney’s last public act was to fight Donald Trump

Featured

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta among airports where FAA will cut flights due to shutdown

The U.S. Department of Transportation will cut flights by 10% across 40 of the nation’s busiest airports on Friday to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers.

Metro Atlanta’s water smells, tastes weird again. Blame fall and Lake Lanier.

It’s safe to drink, but a seasonal change in Lake Lanier each fall means most of the metro’s water tastes like dirt and mold.

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Our list of 15 family-friendly doings in metro Atlanta for Nov. 7-9 includes Veterans Day events.