Lexington, SC – Today, Beth Carrigg, Chairwoman of the Lexington County Council, announced her endorsement of Gavin J. Smith in the Town of Lexington’s upcoming May 2nd Special Election for Lexington Town Council.

Carrigg, who was elected to Lexington County Council in 2019, and who, in early 2023, was elected and became only the second woman to serve as Chairwoman of the Lexington County Council, accompanied her endorsement of Gavin’s candidacy with the following statement:

“Gavin is exactly the type of leader the Town of Lexington needs, and I am proud to support his candidacy for Lexington Town Council. Having known Gavin for many years, I can tell you that he is a man of his word and a fearless advocate for those in his community. Gavin is a go-getter and means what he says, and I have absolutely no doubt he’ll work to deliver on his promise to solve Lexington’s traffic congestion problems once and for all. I urge all residents in the Town of Lexington to join me in supporting Gavin J. Smith in the upcoming special election for Lexington Town Council on May 2nd, 2023.”

Chairwoman Carrigg’s endorsement follows an endorsement by current Lexington County Council Vice-Chairman Darrell Hudson. Smith has also been endorsed by State Senator Katrina Shealy, and Town of Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall.

Smith announced his intention to run for the seat on February 7, 2023 after Councilman Steve Baker shared that he had accepted a new job opportunity in the Orlando, Florida area, and would be resigning his seat on the Lexington Town Council at the end of February 2023.

A former partner in Lexington’s Navy Yard on Main project, Gavin is currently the CEO and Founder of the Gavin James Group, under which he operates Gavin James Public Affairs and The Inspyre Group. Gavin also serves as Director of Communications for cybersecurity brand, PC Matic, and he is a Forbes Communications Council Contributor.

“Chairwoman Carrigg exemplifies what it means to be a public servant, and I am beyond honored to receive her endorsement,” said Smith. “We will only solve Lexington’s traffic congestion problems by bringing all stakeholders – including members of the Lexington County Council – to the table and working together with them to forge the path forward. Chairwoman Carrigg is exactly the type of partner I look forward to working with beginning on day one to deliver real and measurable results for the people of Lexington.”

On announcing his candidacy for Town Council, Smith outlined several key priorities for his campaign to serve on Lexington Town Council, including solving the parking and traffic problems that plague the Town of Lexington. Smith also highlighted his unequivocal support for law enforcement, emphasized the need to cut red tape and make it easier for small businesses to open and do business in the Town of Lexington, and he promised to prioritize preserving historic Lexington landmarks.

Prior to his launch of the Gavin James Group, Gavin received a Presidential Appointment and served as Press Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor and as Deputy Communications Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Gavin served on the Presidential Campaign and 58th Presidential Inaugural Committee for former President Donald J. Trump, and formerly worked in the Executive Office of Governor Nikki R. Haley and for Speaker Newt Gingrich’s 2012 Presidential campaign.

Gavin is a 2010 graduate of White Knoll High School, and a 2016 graduate from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business where he received his Bachelors of Science in Marketing and Management. In 2021, Gavin also earned his Master’s of Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.. Gavin currently resides in the Town of Lexington with his husband, Matthew A. Smith, and their two dogs, Bentley and Braxton.

To learn more about Gavin and his candidacy for Town of Lexington Town Council, click here.

To learn more about Chairwoman Beth Carrigg, click here.

-TK-