State Rep. Penny Houston is seeking her seventh full term of office.

First elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1998, Houston is running on the Republican ticket with no opposition this term.

“During my past 13 years in office, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a number of leadership roles that range from agriculture, education, budget and fiscal affairs, human resources appropriations and now appropriations of economic development,” said Houston.

Most recently, she was appointed to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence by House Speaker David Ralston, a position where she feels she can help positively impact the most lives.

Houston was also recognized as recipient of the Outstanding State Legislator for 2011 Award from the Georgia Council on Aging (GCOA), in recognition of her support for aging services funding and her fight to restore funding for respite care, Meals on Wheels and vision services.

Born and raised in Leary, Houston has lived in Nashville most of her life and still resides in Berrien County, the community she calls home.

During her years in Atlanta, she has served residents of Berrien, Cook, Colquitt, and Tift counties.

Her District 170 seat now includes all of Berrien, all of Cook and portions of Tift counties.

“Even though I know longer represent Colquitt County, the residents there still have a place in my heart,” said Houston.  “I also look forward to serving the residents of Tift County again, along with my constituents in Berrien and Cook counties.”

Houston says she feels  honored and humbled that she qualified unopposed and will have the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of her district.

Appointed as Vice-Chairman of Appropriations Over Economic Development last year, she feels this will place her in a position to be an asset to businesses and industries in South Georgia, and help reduce the unemployment rate throughout Georgia.

“As Vice-Chairman of this Committee, my number one focus will be on creating jobs,” said Houston. “It is vital that we support job growth in South Georgia.”

Houston says she looks forward to her next term of office, and as always, encourages citizens to contact her at 404-463-2247 or by email at penny.houston@house.ga.gov.