Kent Smith is a Democratic State Senator representing Ohio's 21st Senate District since his election in 2022. He previously served four terms in the Ohio House of Representatives and 12 years on the Euclid Board of Education , where he attended every meeting. As Senate Democratic Whip, he is the Ranking Member on the Energy and Local Government Committees and serves on seven standing committees, including Education, Judiciary, Public Utilities, Rules and Reference, and Transportation. Notable achievements include leadership roles such as Ranking Member on multiple House and Senate committees, introducing legislation on public utilities reform, minimum wage increases, free school meals, gender wage equity, and firearm safety, and serving as a Democratic National Convention delegate in 2016, 2020, and Platform Committee member in 2024. He has led the Euclid Democratic Party since 2006.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Miami University in 1988; Master's of Science in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University in 2001; Ph.D. candidate in Economic Development at Cleveland State University.
• Professional Background: Worked at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, including the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and at four Northeast Ohio nonprofits.
• Political Experience:
  • Euclid Board of Education .
  • Ohio House of Representatives, District 8 , with Ranking Member roles on Public Utilities, Financial Institutions, and others.
  • Ohio Senate, District 21 , with leadership as Democratic Whip and committee roles.