Lexington, SC – Today, Vice Chairman of the Lexington County Council, Darrell Hudson, announced his endorsement of Gavin J. Smith in the Town of Lexington’s upcoming May 2nd Special Election for Lexington Town Council.

Hudson, who was elected to Lexington County Council in 2016, and who was recently elected Vice Chairman of Lexington County Council in January 2023, accompanied his endorsement of Gavin’s candidacy with the following statement:

“I am very proud and excited to endorse my friend – a bold, young leader in our community – Gavin J. Smith, in the upcoming May 2nd Special Election for Lexington Town Council. Gavin has an innate ability to connect with others and build community, and I’ve seen firsthand how hard he works to get things done on behalf of his neighbors. Gavin is honest, he puts people before politics, and he’s passionate about our local community. I haven’t a doubt in my mind that Gavin is the right choice in this Special Election, and I could think of no better partner to work with as the Lexington County Council continues to work hand in hand with the Lexington Town Council to make our community an even greater place to live, work, learn, and raise a family. 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.”

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.

“Councilman Hudson is a distinguished leader in the Lexington community, and I’m honored to receive his endorsement,” Smith said. “I will work tirelessly to represent the people of our Town, and when applicable, I’ll work closely with Vice Chairman Hudson – especially in the instance of working to solve road and traffic congestion issues – to deliver 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 Councilman Darrell Hudson, click here.

A picture of Gavin and Vice Chairman Hudson may be downloaded here.

-TK-