On Tuesday, longtime House member Representative Gary Chism announced his retirement from the Legislature effective June 30. The leave was attributed to family medical issues.
“My wife has had some health issues and I really felt like I should be with her,” Chism told The Dispatch. He left session on June 3 and said he does not plan to return before his retirement is effective.
Chism said that the decision not to serve out his four year term was a difficult one.
Chism has served in the House since 2000 and currently chairs the Insurance Committee. He represents District 37 of Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha Counties. Chism is a Mason, York Rite and Shriner. He is also linked with the Independent Insurance Agents of America and of Mississippi, the National Association of Insurance Financial Advisors, The Mississippi Association of Life Underwriters, The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors and has served on the Lowndes County Board of Education and the Easy Mississippi Community College Board of Trustees.
He was born and raised in Columbus, Mississippi.
