State of Texas: Congressman prepares to pass the torch

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Congressman Lamar Smith’s retirement could shift the landscape of the 2018 primary elections.
Smith, R-San Antonio, announced plans to retire at the end of his term Thursday. Smith, who was first elected in 1987, cited a desire to pass the torch on to the next generation and spend more time with his grandchildren as reasons for his retirement.
Smith’s retirement comes just days before the start of the filing period for the March primary elections. He had no chal