Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Jennie Landreth, left, Development Coordinator for Choices talks with Tennessee State Rep. Robin Smith at The first “March for Life” in Chattanooga, a rally against abortion by Greater Chattanooga Right to Life.The Hamilton County Commission will be responsible for deciding whether a temporary replacement is needed to fill the state House seat left vacant by former Rep. Robin Smith, R-Hixson, until a new lawmaker is elected Nov. 8.
Several Republicans on Tuesday declined to say whether they would run for the seat Smith resigned from Monday.
Because Smith was up for re-election this year already, no special election will be needed to replace her. But by bowing out, she has significantly changed the dynamics of the campaign by creating an open seat in House District 26.
“There is no need to call for a special election because that seat is already going to be on the ballot,” said Nate Foster, assistant administrator of the Hamilton County Election Commission, in a Tuesday phone interview.
(READ MORE: Former Tennessee Rep. Robin Smith pleads guilty to fraud)