Laura Smith

Laura Smith is a Democratic member of the Montana State Senate representing Senate District 40, which comprises much of the western side of Helena. She has served in the Montana Senate since 2025 and currently holds the position of Minority Whip.

Smith is a mother of two daughters and resides in Helena with her husband, Mac. She was born in Salt Lake City and began her professional career in Great Falls, Montana, where she worked as one of the state's youngest Assistant United States Attorneys. In this role, she prosecuted over 100 crimes, including murders, assaults, fraud, and drug crimes, working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement.

Before entering the Montana Senate, Smith served as Deputy Director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for five years, where she focused on early childhood development and supporting Montana families. She spearheaded the First Years Initiative, which received national recognition for its strategic approach to supporting Montana's youngest children.

Education

Smith earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in 2004 and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009.

Political Experience

Smith was first elected to the Montana House of Representatives in November 2022, representing House District 79, and served from January 2, 2023 to January 25, 2025. During her time in the House, she championed legislation to protect vulnerable children and teenagers, support families caring for sick children, and protect children from predators.

In 2025, she transitioned to the Montana Senate, where she represents Senate District 40. Her legislative priorities include affordable housing, property taxes, government transparency and ethics, safe neighborhoods, affordable living, improved schools, and public lands protection.