Clarke County Supervisor Troy Smith announced Friday he will challenge Rep. William Shirley for the District 84 seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives.

Both men are Republicans. An Aug. 6 primary is scheduled.

“Clarke, Newton and Jasper counties deserve a state representative who will consistently fight to promote our area’s best interests in Jackson,” Smith said in a statement. “The citizens of District 84 demand an effective leader and a strong voice at the Capitol. With the Lord’s help, I will be that leader and that voice.”

Smith is the longtime owner and operator of Long’s Fish Camp in Enterprise. He was elected in 2011 and again in 2015 to the Clarke County Board of Supervisors.

Smith touts his experience and service at the county level as a strength.

“Hard work is second nature to me, whether providing for my family through my business or meeting constituent needs in my job as a supervisor,” he said in a statement.

Smith is a 1983 graduate of Quitman High School. He attends the First Baptist Church of Stonewall with his wife of 32 years, Michell, a retired employee of Chicasawhay Natural Gas District. The couple has two adult daughters, Haley Brooke Holley and Harley Black Smith.

Shirley, of Quitman, was first elected as District 84 representative in 2011. 

He attended Missouri Auctioneer School, Meridian Community College ad Quitman High School and served in the United States Coast Guard. He is the owner of The Family Fish Camp, according to his profile on the House of Representatives website.

He has served on the Enrolled Bills (vice-chair), energy, insurance, Judiciary B, Judiciary En Banc and Medicaid committees.

Shirley is married to the former Benita Meadows and is a member of the Baptist faith.