State Rep. Barbara Sims, R-Augusta, yesterday announced what had been rumored for weeks: She will not seek re-election to her House of Representatives District 123 seat which includes a large section of west Augusta-Richmond County and part of Columbia County. Her decision opens up a potential GOP primary in May 2016 in the Republican-dominated district which includes the famed Augusta National Golf Club. The eight-year legislator serves on the Appropriations, Rules, Transportation, Health and Human Services and Technology Committees.
Almost immediately after the announcement, former Augusta Mayor Bob Young took to his Twitter account and messaged that “I am formally announcing my candidacy… and look forward to carrying my message as the conservative choice to the voters…” Another former Augusta mayor, Deke Copenhaver, is also the subject of speculation as to a possible candidacy.
Other state House members not running next year are Reps. Alex Atwood (Republican, District 179), Hugh Floyd (Democrat, District 99) and LaDawn Jones (Democrat, District 62).
