State rep announces gubernatorial run

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South Carolina Rep. James Smith announced Thursday that he intends to run for governor of South Carolina in 2018. The attorney, father of four and former soldier will hold an event in mid-October to kick-off his campaign, according to a release. "All of my life, I have felt the call to service," Smith said. "It was in that spirit, after 9-11, that I resigned my commission as a (Judge Advocate General) officer, enlisted in the infantry and deployed to Afghanistan to fight for our country and protect our way of life. I came home a different man and believed I could do more." Smith launched an exploratory website in September. “The website provides an opportunity to learn more about my service to our state and nation and to allow feedback on the direction of our state,” Smith said in a statement. “I am humbled by the support I have received from South Carolinians across our beautiful state to consider higher office. As I travel the state, I continue to hear that they are simply not happy with their current choices for governor in 2018. I believe South Carolinians deserve leaders who care more about doing their job than keeping their job, serving the people of South Carolina first and always.” Smith was born and raised in Columbia, and is the husband of Kirkland Thomas Smith. The couple has four children, Emerson, Thomas, Paul and Shannon, and they attend church at Trinity Episcopal Church. He is a major in the South Carolina Army National Guard and served eight years as a Judge Advocate General officer in the Army National Guard. In the General Assembly Smith, a Democrat, represents District 72 and his native Richland County. "I see the potential of our state," Smith said. "I see why we can be. But I also see what's getting in the way. I am running for governor because I feel like I must do all that I can to fight for the people of South Carolina. I am running because I want South Carolina to realize her fullest potential, and to do that, I know that means no one gets left behind."