HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — A candidate has already emerged to fill the Habersham County Commission seat soon to be vacated by Jimmy Tench. Jason Smith announced plans to run for the District 3 post ahead of Tench’s February 13 resignation for medical reasons, positioning himself early in what could become a closely watched local race.
“I wanted everyone to know that I do plan on running for the county commissioner seat vacated by Jimmy Tench,” Smith said. “Mr. Tench served the community well and is well respected in the community. I believe, with my experience and expertise, as well as love for my community, I can help our community plan for the future and ensure that growth is well managed and not a burden on the taxpayers of Habersham County.”
This is not Smith’s first bid for public office. He lost to Tench in the 2022 GOP primary.
A retired U.S. Army veteran, Smith graduated from West Point and served overseas in Iraq and Somalia. He is a licensed civil engineer and small business owner.
Smith serves on the Habersham County Planning Commission. He is an Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster for Troop 24. He is also a Rotary member, a deacon at Level Grove Baptist Church, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and serves on the Habersham County Wall of Honor Committee.
“As a veteran, engineer, father, and community servant, I believe Habersham County deserves leadership rooted in integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to smart, responsible growth,” Smith said. “Our county is growing, and we need to ensure that our infrastructure, public safety, and community values grow with it.”
“I’m running because I love this community,” he said. “I want to ensure Habersham remains a place where families can thrive for generations.”
Tributes for Tench
Tench served three terms on the Habersham County Board of Tax Assessors before voters elected him to the county commission in 2018. He began his second term in 2023 and represented the county on the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission in 2025, the same year he served as commission chair.
Current Chair Bruce Harkness told Now Georgia Tench has “worked tirelessly” for the people of Habersham County for seven-and-a-half years.
“I have known Jimmy Tench for most of my life, and I have always had a great deal of respect for him. He has given many years of service to Habersham County, and I truly appreciate the commitment he has shown to our community,” said Harkness. “On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I want to thank him for his service and wish him all the best moving forward.”
“Commissioner Tench has always approached his responsibilities with a steady hand and a genuine concern for the people of Habersham County,” said County Manager Tim Sims. “I have appreciated the opportunity to work alongside him over the past five years, and I wish him the very best in the years ahead.”
County Clerk Brandy Carnes said Tench demonstrated a “sincere love for this community and consistently worked to do what he believed was best for Habersham County.”
It is not yet clear when an election will be held to fill the District 3 seat. County officials say the board will follow state law and release additional details when available.
