Lexington, SC – Today, Lexington entrepreneur and public relations strategist, Gavin J. Smith, announced his candidacy in the upcoming Special Election for Lexington Town Council.

Smith’s decision to run for the seat comes after Councilman Steve Baker announced during a Town Council Meeting on February 6, 2023, that he is resigning his seat on the Lexington Town Council effective February 28, 2023. Baker’s decision to vacate the seat follows his acceptance of a job that will move him and his family to Orlando, Florida.

Coming by way of a video posted on Smith’s social media accounts, Smith’s announcement highlights memories from his childhood in the Town of Lexington, celebrates how far the Town has come in recent years, and challenges residents to boldly face the future. Smith advocates for fresh, young leadership that supports law enforcement, prioritizes solving Lexington’s traffic and parking problems, and cuts red tape so small businesses can reach their full potential.

“The Town of Lexington means everything to me,” said Smith. “It’s safe to say we’ve come a long way since we were children, but there’s still so much more we can do together. I’m humbled by the opportunity to run for Lexington Town Council, and am committed to putting in the work, talking with voters of our Town, and earning each and every resident’s vote.”

Smith’s campaign will begin immediately with stops planned throughout the town this week to speak with local residents and business owners, and a campaign kick off event to be held on Saturday, February 11, 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.

Prior to joining the private sector, 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.

For more information on Gavin’s campaign, please visit GavinForLexington.com.

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