SWORN-IN: Unexpired term of Georgia House District 139 filled by Carmen Rice

GEORGIA (WRBL)— Wednesday, former Muscogee County Republican Chairwoman Carmen Rice was sworn into the Georgia House District 139 seat.

Rep. Rice defeated Sean Knox in a runoff of the special election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term of Rep. Richard Smith, who passed away in January. She was sworn in by Superior Court Judge Gil McBride in the Harris County Courthouse.

District 139 covers portions of Muscogee and Harris County. WRBL caught up with her shortly after being sworn in.

“I’m very thankful with the decisive victory that we had this past week for the voters showing up and selecting me to be the representative, that’s a true honor,” Rep. Rice said. “Following the big footsteps of Representative [Richard] Smith, I am just deeply honored. I want to continue to serve in a way that would make him proud and for the representatives of this district.”

The Georgia General Assembly has completed its 2024 term, the only way the General Assembly will go into session by the end of the year is if Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp calls a special session.

This current term goes through the end of this year, Rep. Rice shared what she wants to fight for in Atlanta.

“My platform has been education, public safety and transportation, including the I-14 initiative. So, I’m excited to bring those things, those are things are very important,” Rep. Rice said. “I’ve been listening to the voters. They’ve brought those things to me and I’m excited to go to Atlanta with that.”

Both Rep. Rice and Knox will appear on the Republican Primary ballot next week. Whoever wins the primary will move to the November General Election and run against Democrat Carl Sprayberry and Independent Robert Mallard.

While Rep. Rice is ready to get to work for the remainder of this term, she is already looking ahead to May 21.

“We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing. It’s working and connecting in the face time with the voters,” Rep. Rice said. “I have a very good group of volunteers that I’m working with and I’m excited to be still on the campaign trail, still working, and I look forward to Tuesday.”

The winner of that election will serve a full two-year term.

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