State Rep. Tom Rice Won't Seek Re-election

NORCROSS, GA – State Rep. Tom Rice, a committee chairman and 20-year veteran of the legislature from Norcross, announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election.

“I have been privileged to serve the legislative needs of the citizens of Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lake, Norcross and parts of John’s Creek since 1997,” Rice said in a news release.

“During my time in the Georgia House I am glad to have been a part of the historic change in leadership that has allowed us to maximize the chance to improve the quality of life for our citizens. My retirement will provide opportunity for a new generation of leaders to bring their ideas for an improved state government to prominence.”

Rice, a Republican, will retire at the end of the current legislative term, which ends when the 2017 General Assembly convenes next January.

Rice plans to devote his time to fulfilling ministry opportunities with his wife, Frances, at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church, where he serves as an elder, he said in the release.

Rice is the chairman of the House Motor Vehicles committee. He also serves on three of the state House’s most influential committees -- Appropriations, Rules and Ways & Means.