John True Smithee is a Republican who represented Texas House District 86 for 40 years, from 1985 until his announced retirement in 2025. Born on September 7, 1951, in Amarillo, Texas, he is an attorney who served the Panhandle region, including counties such as Armstrong, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Hartley, Oldham, Parmer, and Randall. Notable achievements include chairing the Criminal Jurisprudence, Judiciary, and Insurance committees; leading passage of sweeping bail law reforms; bringing 9-1-1 service to Amarillo and the Panhandle; integrating West Texas State University into the Texas A&M system; developing transmission infrastructure for wind energy growth; and securing funding for a new state mental hospital and Texas Tech's Schools of Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.B.A. from West Texas A&M University; J.D. from Texas Tech University.
• Political Experience: Elected to the Texas House in 1985, serving continuously through multiple sessions ; chaired Criminal Jurisprudence Committee ; member of State Affairs Committee; ran for House Speaker.