COLUMBUS — Speaker Larry Householder, R-72, announced a screening panel on Friday to review candidates wishing to fill the vacant 93rd House District seat, which includes Gallia and Jackson counties, most of Lawrence County and part of Vinton County.

 The vacancy is due to the pending resignation of State Rep. Ryan Smith, R-93, who is resigning to become president of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College. His resignation is effective Oct. 3.

“We appreciate Representative Smith’s service in the People’s House,” Householder said in a news release. “He has been a strong advocate for lifelong education for Ohio’s Appalachian region and I believe he has the experience to excel in his new role.”

Householder has tapped Republican Representatives Brian Baldridge, R-90, whose district covers part of Lawrence County, Sara Carruthers, R-51, Jay Edwards, R-94, and Don Jones, R-95, to serve on the screening committee.

Individuals interested in being considered for appointment to the unexpired term in the 93rd House District should email a cover letter and resume to Rep72@OhioHouse.gov by October 4th. Interviews will be conducted on Oct. 7.

Smith was barred from seeking re-election in 2020 due to term limits. Several candidates had already started to campaign for that election, including Republicans Jeff Halley, of Crown City, Bobbi Montgomery, of Jackson, and Matt Ward, of Proctorville.