Tina Smith

Tina Smith is an American politician serving as the junior United States senator from Minnesota since 2019. A member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), she previously served as the 48th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota under Mark Dayton from 2015 to 2018. Appointed to the U.S. Senate following the resignation of Al Franken, she won a special election in 2018 and was re-elected to a full term in 2020.

Early life and education

Tina Smith was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and spent her early years in Santa Fe. Her father worked for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and her mother was a teacher. She attended Stanford University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. She later earned a Master of Business Administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

Early career

Before entering politics, Smith worked in marketing and community relations for several organizations, including General Mills and Planned Parenthood in Minneapolis. She served as vice president for external affairs at Planned Parenthood of Minnesota. Her political career began as a top aide to Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, later becoming his chief of staff. She managed Mark Dayton's successful 2010 gubernatorial campaign and served as his chief of staff in the Governor's Office.

U.S. Senate

Smith was appointed to the U.S. Senate by Governor Mark Dayton in January 2018 following the resignation of Al Franken. She was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence and assigned to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Committee on Indian Affairs. She won the subsequent 2018 special election, defeating Republican nominee Karin Housley, and was re-elected in 2020, defeating former U.S. Representative Jason Lewis. In the 117th United States Congress, she also served on the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Political positions

Smith is a progressive Democrat who supports the Affordable Care Act and has advocated for a public option and lowering prescription drug costs. She is a strong proponent of climate action, supporting the Green New Deal and investments in renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure. She has worked on bipartisan legislation related to mental health care, agriculture, and supporting Native American communities. She voted to convict Donald Trump during both his first and second impeachment trials and supported the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Personal life

Smith is married to Archie Smith, a former executive at Medtronic and Donaldson Company. They have two adult sons and reside in Minneapolis. She is an avid runner and has completed several marathons, including the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. She has been open about her personal experiences with depression, advocating for increased awareness and resources for mental health.

Category:1958 births Category:Living people Category:United States senators from Minnesota Category:Minnesota lieutenant governors Category:Stanford University alumni Category:Tuck School of Business alumni Category:Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party politicians