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Longtime state Rep. Penny Houston announced Tuesday that she will not seek reelection this year.

Houston, R-Nashville, has served in the Georgia House of Representatives for 26 years under seven House speakers. She told her House colleagues she wants to spend more time with her family.

“I hope I’ve been a voice for the people of rural Georgia and a voice for people who don’t have a voice,” Houston said.

Houston chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development, which oversees funds for eight state agencies. She also serves on the House Ways & Means, Banks & Banking, Economic
Development & Tourism, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Appropriations committees, as well as the
House Rural Development Council.

Houston said she plans to contribute to her community in different ways now that she’s leaving the General Assembly. Specifically, she said she will advocate for improved dental care in rural Georgia.

Houston’s House District 170 includes Berrien County and portions of Cook and Tift counties.