William C. Smith, Jr.

Personal life

Smith was born on February 6, 1982 and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. With the support of his family, Smith became a first generation college student, graduating from the College of William and Mary. He went on to earn a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from the College of William and Mary. After college, he enrolled in Americorps, where he worked as a community engagement leader for IMPACT Silver Spring. Smith sought and received a commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He continues that service today. Smith currently practices law as a civil rights attorney when the General Assembly is in recess.

Political career

After working at the ACLU and at a civil rights law firm where he handled employment discrimination cases, Smith was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve in his administration, as a Director at the Department of Homeland Security. Smith was elected to the Maryland General Assembly in 2014.

As a member of the Judiciary Committee of the General Assembly, Smith has addressed robust criminal justice reform measures such as gun control and efforts to provide economic and educational opportunities for Maryland's most vulnerable.

During his tenure in the House of Delegates, Smith has been appointed to serve on several working groups including the Justice Reinvestment, Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights, and Death with Dignity workgroups. Additionally, is a member of the Legislative Black Caucus and is one of the first men ever asked to join the Women's Caucus.

As of December 2016, Smith was appointed as Senator for Maryland's District 20, defeating a field of three other candidates lead by David Moon.