Republican Jeff Campbell, the former mayor of Saltville, has announced his candidacy for the 6th District House of Delegates seat that will be vacated by the retirement of Del. Anne Crockett-Stark, R-Wytheville.

In a news release, Campbell said he is the first to file a declaration of candidacy and petitions to qualify for the June 11 primary in the 6th District, which covers Wythe and Carroll counties and part of Smyth County.

Campbell, 46, is an attorney with a law office in Marion. He has served as mayor and a town council member in Saltville and also has served on the Saltville Industrial Development Authority and the board of the Smyth County Tourism Association.

In his news release, Campbell said he will focus on economic development, educational opportunity and public safety.

“I can think of no other governmental function that so positively affects a community and its people than the location or relocation of a new industry, within its borders, bringing with it job opportunities and economic prospects that promote the public welfare and create a better way of life for the residents,” Campbell said.  “Our government must make this the number one priority for the citizens of the 6^th District and I pledge to work tirelessly in Richmond to bring the good paying jobs in the Commonwealth back home.”