Representative Charles Smith

Charles Ruppe Smith is a Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 44 in Cumberland County since January 2023.

Charles Smith, age 32 as of recent elections, was born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He resides in Fayetteville with his wife, Mary Kelly, an elementary school counselor in the Cumberland County public school system. Currently, he works as an attorney at Anderson, Johnson, Lawrence & Butler LLP, with experience in administrative law, corporate law, general civil litigation, and previously as an Assistant District Attorney in Cumberland County, where he primarily handled domestic violence and child abuse cases. In the House, he serves on key committees including Appropriations, Families, Children, and Aging Policy, Military and Veterans Affairs, State Government, and Wildlife Resources. Notable aspects include fulfilling a childhood dream of playing college basketball and his commitment to community progress in Cumberland County.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Undergraduate degree from Emory & Henry College; Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
• Political Experience: Elected to North Carolina House District 44 in 2022, assuming office January 1, 2023; succeeded Billy Richardson; currently in his second term . No prior elected offices.