Will Smith

William Colonel Smith Jr. is a prominent American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland State Senate, representing District 20. A member of the Democratic Party, Smith has been in office since December 2016, following his appointment to fill a vacancy. He previously served in the Maryland House of Delegates from January 2015 to December 2016. Smith's legislative work is characterized by a focus on public safety, criminal justice reform, and community development, reflecting his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents in Montgomery County.

Early life and career

William Colonel Smith Jr. was born on February 6, 1982, at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. He completed his early education at the Barrie School, after which he pursued higher education at the College of William & Mary. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government in 2004. Smith continued his academic journey by obtaining a Master of Arts degree in government from Johns Hopkins University in 2006, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from the same institution in 2009. In 2018, he furthered his education with a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University.

Following the September 11 attacks, Smith enlisted in the military, motivated by a desire to serve his country. He was deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Armored Division as part of Operation Resolute Support from March to October 2019. During his deployment, he held the rank of lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and played a significant role in assisting with the country's presidential election and monitoring peace talks between the Taliban and the United States in Doha, Qatar.

In addition to his military service, Smith has been actively involved in various community and civic organizations. He chaired the Montgomery County Community Development Block Grant Board from 2004 to 2008 and later led the county's Victim Services Advisory Board until 2012. Smith also served as the director of the Homeland Security Advisory Council at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2011 to 2013. His commitment to social justice is evident through his involvement with the Montgomery County NAACP, where he served as second vice president and was a member of the executive committee.

In 2005, Smith founded Youth Achieve Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on youth development. As of 2023, he continues to serve on the boards of several organizations, including Gandhi Brigade, the GapBuster Learning Center, and Impact Silver Spring. His professional career includes work as an attorney for the Federal Practice Group from 2014 to 2016 and for the Solomon Law Firm starting in 2018.

Legislative service

Smith's political career began when he ran for the Maryland House of Delegates in 2014. He sought to succeed state delegates Heather Mizeur and Tom Hucker, both of whom were pursuing higher office. During the Democratic primary, he ran alongside notable candidates such as state senator Jamie Raskin and state delegate Sheila E. Hixson. The slate successfully won the primary election in June and subsequently triumphed in the general election held in November 2014.

Smith was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 14, 2015. During his brief tenure in the House, he was a member of the House Judiciary Committee, where he participated in subcommittees focused on criminal justice and family law. His time in the House laid the groundwork for his subsequent appointment to the Maryland Senate.

In November 2016, following the resignation of state senator Jamie Raskin, Smith applied to fill the vacancy in the Maryland Senate. The Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee nominated him over fellow delegate David Moon, and he was appointed to the position by Governor Larry Hogan on December 13, 2016. Smith was sworn into the Senate on December 21, 2016, and later won a full four-year term in the 2018 election.

Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Smith has served on the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, where he has held the position of vice chair since July 2018. In December 2019, he was appointed chair of the committee, succeeding Robert Zirkin. Smith's leadership in this role has allowed him to influence significant legislative matters, including those related to criminal justice and public safety. In February 2022, he delivered the Democratic response to Governor Hogan's State of the State Address, further establishing his presence in Maryland politics.

Policy focus and district

As a legislator, Smith is recognized for his progressive stance on various issues, particularly in the context of public safety and criminal justice reform. He represents one of the most progressive legislative districts in Maryland, which shapes his policy priorities and legislative initiatives. During the 2019 legislative session, he introduced a bill aimed at requiring ignition interlocks for drunk driving offenders after their first offense, reflecting his commitment to enhancing public safety.

In February 2020, Smith proposed a comprehensive legislative package to address public safety concerns in Baltimore. This package included measures to increase enforcement against illegal firearms, enhance supervision for parolees, and improve information-sharing among local police departments. These initiatives were part of a broader response to crime legislation proposed by Governor Hogan, which Smith opposed due to its emphasis on increasing mandatory minimum sentences.

Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and the subsequent nationwide protests, Smith advocated for police accountability and reform. He introduced a series of bills aimed at repealing the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights, establishing an independent body to investigate police misconduct, and enacting Anton's Law. Although these bills were vetoed by Governor Hogan, the legislature successfully overrode the veto shortly thereafter.

In late 2021, Smith supported legislation to end the practice of charging juveniles as adults in criminal court and to prohibit police from questioning minors without parental consent. His advocacy reflects a broader commitment to reforming the criminal justice system to ensure fairness and equity.

In January 2022, Smith publicly criticized Governor Hogan's "Refund the Police" initiative, arguing that it oversimplified complex issues related to public safety and funding. During the 2023 legislative session, he introduced legislation aimed at empowering the attorney general of Maryland, further demonstrating his focus on enhancing accountability and oversight within law enforcement.

Overall, Smith's legislative career is marked by a dedication to addressing the needs of his constituents in District 20, with a focus on progressive policies that promote social justice, public safety, and community development. His background in law, military service, and community engagement informs his approach to governance and his commitment to serving the people of Maryland.