Van Smith - Alabama House Representative

Van Smith is a Republican member of the Alabama House of Representatives representing District 42, which encompasses Autauga and Chilton counties. He was born in Chilton County and assumed office on November 6, 2019, following a special election to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Representative Jimmy Martin.

Smith is married to Fran and has four adult children and 11 grandchildren. He is an active member of Indian Grave Baptist Church, where he serves as chairman of the deacons. Since his retirement from education in 2013, he has operated Hickory Hill cattle and hay farm, raising cattle, hay, and timber.

Education

Smith holds a Bachelor's degree in Agri-Science Education from Auburn University and a Master's degree in Agri-Science Education from Alabama A&M University. He also earned a K-12 Certification in Administrative Education from the University of Montevallo.

Political Experience

Legislative Service:
Smith was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in a special primary election on August 20, 2019, winning with 56.85 percent of the vote. He was re-elected for a four-year term in 2022. He serves on the Education Policy and Procedures, Forestry and Agriculture, and Transportation Utilities and Infrastructure committees, and currently serves as vice chairman of the Transportation Utilities and Infrastructure Committee. He is also a member of the State Energy Council and the Transportation Infrastructure Bank.

Prior Public Service:
Before his election to the state house, Smith served as an Autauga County Commissioner, appointed by the Governor in 2014 to fill an unexpired term and elected to a four-year term in 2016. He also served as Vice-Chairman of the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees from 2018 to 2021 and as Board Chairman from 2021 to 2024. Additionally, he serves on the boards of the Autauga County Cattlemen's Association and the Alabama Farmer's Federation .

Educational Career:
Smith spent 37 years in public education, including 13 years as an Agri-Science teacher, 8 years as assistant principal of Billingsley School, and 16 years as principal of Billingsley High School until his retirement in 2013.