The longest-serving member of Georgia’s General Assembly may be the next ambassador to the Dominican Republic after being nominated by Pres. Joe Biden.
Rep. Calvin Smyre, known as the dean of the Georgia House, has served as a state representative for 47 years. The Columbus Democrat admits he was a little emotional as he got the call from the president.
“My heart is in the General Assembly of Georgia. But what an opportunity to be nominated by the president. It’s a big honor,” he tells WSB’s Sandra Parrish.
Smyre says he’s been to the island nation several times on golf outings with friends and looks forward to hopefully moving there soon.
The 74-year-old must still be confirmed by the Senate which could take months. He plans to serve in the upcoming special session for redistricting and possibly finish out his 24th term in office.
“As a long-time businessman and a longtime executive of Synovus and a longtime public servant, I think I bring a lot of experience and a lot of background to continue the significant work with an important economic partner in the Caribbean,” he says.
Smyre was first elected to the Georgia House in 1974 at age 26 and worked his way through the ranks when the legislature was controlled by Democrats. He was the first Black lawmaker in Georgia appointed as a governor’s floor leader and later served as chair of the state Democratic Party.
“I’m deeply appreciative of the confidence that Pres. Biden has shown in me,” he says.