Lexington, SC – Today, South Carolina State Senator, Katrina F. Shealy, announced her endorsement of Gavin J. Smith in the Town of Lexington’s upcoming May 2nd Special Election for Lexington Town Council.

Senator Shealy, who was elected in 2012 and currently represents a significant portion of the Town of Lexington as the State Senator representing Senate District 23, accompanied her endorsement of Gavin’s candidacy with the following statement:

“Make no mistake: Gavin James Smith is the right choice for Lexington Town Council, and I’m proud to lend my endorsement and support of his candidacy in the upcoming May 2nd Special Election. I’ve seen firsthand Gavin’s love for the Town of Lexington, and I can personally vouch for his work ethic and how hard I know he’ll work on behalf of the Town. Gavin’s experience is unmatched – with experience from the local level to being a small business owner and formerly serving as a Presidential Appointee – and I believe now more than ever we need a young voice like Gavin’s stepping up and into public service with fresh ideas and perspectives. Gavin will put in the leg work and I know he’ll work tirelessly to make Lexington an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and learn. On May 2nd, I urge all Town of Lexington residents to support Gavin in the Special Election for Lexington Town Council.”

Smith announced his candidacy for the seat after Councilman Steve Baker resigned from Lexington Town Council on February 6, 2023. Baker tendered his resignation following his acceptance of a new job opportunity in the Orlando, Florida area.

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.

“Senator Shealy is someone I look up to dearly, and I’m humbled by her kind words and endorsement of my candidacy for Lexington Town Council,” Smith said. “Senator Shealy is a fearless advocate for her constituents, and she’s unafraid to stand up for what’s right. When elected, it will be my goal to live up to the example she sets as a public servant, and I commit to working equally as hard for the people of Lexington as she does for her constituents and the people of South Carolina.”

Following the announcement of his candidacy for Lexington Town Council, Smith outlined several key priorities that intends to tackle once elected, 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 Senator Katrina Shealy, click here.

To learn more about the Town of Lexington, click here.

A picture of Senator Shealy and Mr. Smith may be found here.

-TK-