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Rep. John Smithee , R-Amarillo, announced Friday that he would not seek reelection to the Texas House after 40 years in office, including stints chairing the criminal jurisprudence, judiciary and insurance committees.

“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,” Smithee said in a statement. “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 l

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