Tiffany Smiley

Tiffany Smiley
Name	Tiffany Smiley
Birth name	Tiffany Bond
Birth date	3 October 1980
Birth place	Pasco, Washington, U.S.
Party	Republican
Spouse	Scotty Smiley
Education	Whitworth University (BSN)

Tiffany Smiley is an American nurse, veterans' advocate, and Republican political candidate. She gained national prominence as the Republican nominee in the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Washington, challenging incumbent Democratic Senator Patty Murray. Her public profile is closely tied to her advocacy for military veterans and her husband, United States Army officer and Purple Heart recipient Scotty Smiley.

Early life and education

Tiffany Bond was born on October 3, 1980, in Pasco, Washington, and grew up in the nearby agricultural community of Connell, Washington. She attended Connell High School before pursuing higher education in the health sciences. Smiley earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. Her educational background in nursing provided the foundation for her initial professional career and later informed her policy advocacy, particularly in areas concerning veterans' health care and medical issues.

Nursing career

After graduating from Whitworth University, Smiley worked as a triage nurse in a local emergency department. Her clinical experience involved direct patient care and coordination in high-pressure medical environments. This career was fundamentally altered following the severe combat injuries sustained by her husband, Scotty Smiley, during the Iraq War. She subsequently shifted her professional focus from active nursing to full-time caregiving and advocacy, navigating the complexities of the Veterans Affairs system and rehabilitation programs for wounded warriors.

Political career

Smiley's political career emerged from her advocacy work for veterans and military families. She became a public speaker and consultant, advising on veterans' policy and sharing her family's story at events for organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and various Republican gatherings. Her advocacy brought her into contact with figures such as former President Donald Trump, who endorsed her subsequent political campaign. She formally entered electoral politics by filing to run for the United States Senate in 2022.

2022 U.S. Senate campaign

In 2021, Smiley launched her campaign for the United States Senate, seeking the Republican nomination to challenge long-serving Democratic incumbent Patty Murray. She secured the nomination after facing minimal primary opposition. Her campaign focused on issues including inflation, crime, parental rights, and criticism of the Biden administration's policies. She received significant financial support from national Republican committees and was featured as a potentially competitive candidate in a traditionally blue state. Despite these efforts, she was defeated by Senator Murray in the general election.

Political positions

Smiley identifies as a conservative Republican. She has expressed support for increased domestic energy production, including in Washington state, and has criticized the Inflation Reduction Act. On foreign policy, she advocated for a strong stance against China and Russia, and expressed support for Israel. Regarding social issues, she emphasized parental rights in education and opposed critical race theory being taught in public schools. She has called for reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve care accessibility, drawing from personal experience.

Personal life

Tiffany Bond married United States Army officer Scotty Smiley in 2003. Captain Smiley was blinded by a suicide attack in Mosul in 2005 and received the Purple Heart. The couple, who have three sons, reside in Spokane, Washington. Scotty Smiley later became the first blind active-duty officer in the United States Army and authored a memoir, "Hope Unseen." Their story has been featured in media outlets including Fox News and "The Story" with Martha MacCallum. Tiffany Smiley is a Christian and has discussed the role of her faith in her family's journey.

Category:1980 births Category:Living people Category:American nurses Category:American political candidates Category:People from Pasco, Washington Category:Whitworth University alumni Category:Republican Party candidates for United States Senate from Washington (state)