Sen. Smyser won’t seek re-election

Two-term state Sen. Melinda Smyser, R-Parma, has announced that she won’t run for re-election. “Because of my friendship with and respect for Senator Patti Anne Lodge, I will not run for re-election to the new District 11 Senate seat,” Smyser said in a statement. “Redistricting has forced us into a race that I will not participate in.” You can read her full announcement here . “These four years have been special and I have learned so much,” Smyser said. “I have every intention to stay involved and I will announce my future plans soon.”