Just one local General Assembly member faces opposition

Only one member of the local General Assembly delegation faces opposition this election cycle as qualifying closed on Friday.

Sen. Josh McKoon, R-Columbus, dodged Republican primary opposition in May, but will face Democratic challenger Ben Anderson of Grantville in November. McKoon has held the District 29 seat the last six years. It is a largely Republican district that includes parts of Muscogee, Harris and Troup counties.

Sen. Ed Harbison, D-Columbus, faces no primary or General Election opposition for the office he has held since 1992.

All five local House of Representatives members will not have to worry about campaigns this year.

Rep. Calvin Smyre, who is the dean of the General Assembly with 42 years in office, is unopposed in District 135. Rep. Richard Smith, R-Columbus, is unopposed in District 134; Rep. Carolyn Hugley, D-Columbus, is unopposed in 136; Rep. Debbie Buckner, D-Junction City, is unopposed in District 137; and Rep. John Pezold, R-Columbus, is unopposed in District 133.

This story was originally published March 11, 2016 at 4:30 PM with the headline "Just one local General Assembly member faces opposition."