Stephen Smith

Stephen Smith is an American politician and businessman serving as the Louisiana State Treasurer since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he previously worked in the oil and gas industry and served as the Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Insurance. His tenure has focused on state financial management, unclaimed property programs, and advocating for conservative fiscal policies.

Early life and education

Born in Baton Rouge, he was raised in Lafayette and attended local schools before enrolling at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering, a field closely tied to the regional economy dominated by the Gulf of Mexico energy sector. Following his undergraduate studies, Smith pursued a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Orleans, which provided a foundation for his subsequent career in business and public finance. His early professional experiences included roles with several independent operators in the Haynesville Shale and other basins.

Career

Smith spent over two decades in the oil and gas industry, holding executive positions in finance and operations for companies operating in the Permian Basin and across the Southern United States. In 2020, he was appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve as the Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Insurance, where he oversaw the regulation of the state’s insurance market following major hurricanes like Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Ida. He successfully ran for the office of Louisiana State Treasurer in a 2022 special election, succeeding John M. Schroder, who resigned to run for Governor of Louisiana. As Treasurer, Smith sits on the boards of the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System and the Louisiana School Employees' Retirement System.

Political positions and policy views

As State Treasurer, Smith has advocated for limiting state spending and maintaining the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund established by the Louisiana Legislature. He has been a vocal critic of ESG investing principles, aligning with policies advanced by officials like Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Smith supports the Office of Debt Management and has emphasized the need for transparency in the Unclaimed Property Program, which returns assets to residents across parishes like East Baton Rouge Parish and Jefferson Parish. He has also testified before the United States House Committee on Financial Services regarding state financial sovereignty.

Electoral history

In the 2022 special election for Treasurer, Smith defeated Democratic candidate Dustin Granger in the general election after advancing from a nonpartisan blanket primary that included several candidates. He carried a majority of the state’s parishes, performing strongly in regions such as St. Tammany Parish and the Florida Parishes. His campaign was supported by the Louisiana Republican Party and key figures like U.S. Senator John Kennedy. Smith’s election was part of a broader cycle that saw Republicans maintain control of statewide offices like Attorney General and Secretary of State.

Personal life

Smith is married to Amy Smith, and the couple has three children. The family resides in Baton Rouge and are members of a local Southern Baptist church. He has been involved with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. In his spare time, Smith enjoys hunting and fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin and supports the Louisiana State University athletics programs.

Category:1969 births Category:Living people Category:Louisiana State Treasurers Category:Republican Party state treasurers of the United States Category:University of Louisiana at Lafayette alumni Category:University of New Orleans alumni Category:People from Baton Rouge, Louisiana Category:American petroleum engineers