After 30 years in office, U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio) announced last week he will not seek re-election after his Congressional term ends in 2018, according to a letter written to constituents.

Smith serves as the representative of the U.S. 21st Congressional District, which includes parts of Driftwood, Buda, Kyle and Mountain City.

“For several reasons, this seems like a good time to pass on the privilege of representing the 21st District to someone else,” Smith wrote.

Smith,...