Doug Smith | |
|---|---|
| Member of theWest Virginia House of Delegates from the 27th district | |
| Assumed office 2020 Serving with Joe Ellington,Marty Gearheart | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Douglas D. Smith (1967-01-01)January 1, 1967 (age 58) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service |  Army |
| Years of service | 1984–2018 |
| Awards | |
Douglas D. Smith (born January 1, 1967) is an American politician who has served as a Delegate from the 27th District to theWest Virginia House of Delegates since 2020. He is aRepublican.
Smith was born inWaterloo, Iowa. He received aB.S. in criminal justice atWichita State University in 1989. In 2006, he received aMaster of Public Administration in the same field. Smith graduated from theUnited States Army War College in 2012. Smith served in theUnited States Army from 1984 to 2018.[1][2][3]
In his first primary, Smith competed in a five-way race, being nominated alongside two fellow Republicans. Smith received 19.94% of the vote.[4] IncumbentEric Porterfield finished last, failing to be nominated.[2][5]
In the general, Smith defeatedDemocrat Tina Russell with 28.30% of the vote.[6]
Smith opposesabortion except in the case of rape or incest. He supports legislation like theHyde Amendment.[3]
Smith voted for House Bill 335, which makes it more difficult for businesses to mandate theCOVID-19 vaccine for their workers. The law made it easier for workers to use medical or religious exemptions to evade such mandates. However, Smith opposes exemptions from vaccines already mandated in public schools.[3][8]
Smith supportscapital punishment. He believes in the use ofprivate prisons but opposesmandatory minimums for non-violent drug offenders.[3] In 2021, when fellow Republican DelegateDerrick Evans was revealed to have participated in the2021 storming of the United States Capitol, Smith stated that Evans and other rioters be prosecuted and suggested that Evans resign. Evans was arrested the day after Smith made his remarks.[9][10]
Smith supports reducing property taxes.[3] He voted for House Bill 3300, which would significantly reduce the West Virginiaincome tax.[11] Smith supports reducing government regulations on business, endorsing a "business-friendly environment."
Smith supports an increase in theminimum wage and supportspaid family leave. However, he opposes requiring paid medical leave during public health emergencies. During theCOVID-19 pandemic, Smith endorsed relief for corporations harmed by the pandemic, like theCARES Act. He supports increased state funding forrenewable energy.[2][3]
Smith penned anop-ed opposing PresidentJoe Biden's climate and social spending package known as theBuild Back Better Act. Smith primarily opposed the proposed increase in thecorporate tax rate, which he said would harm the economy and West Virginian businesses. The provision was later stripped from the plan.[12][13]
Smith was the lead sponsor of House Bill 2012, which increased the allowed number ofcharter schools in West Virginia from three to ten. The legislation was signed by West Virginia governorJim Justice in March 2021. Smith also suggested that West Virginia students could receive their education through virtual charter schools as well.[14][15][16]
Smith opposes most forms ofgun control, including requiring gun licenses and background checks. He has a "AQ" rating from theNRA Political Victory Fund and was endorsed by them in his 2020 campaign.[17] Smith was the lead sponsor of House Bill 2364, which would allow concealed carry for school staff. He also was the lead sponsor of a bill to permit concealed carry on the grounds of the West Virginia capitol. Neither bill made it to a vote before the full House of Delegates.[3][7][18]
Smith opposes includingsexual orientation andgender identity in anti-discrimination laws. He voted for Senate Bill 341, a bill that would prohibittransgender athletes from competing on the team that aligns with their gender identity.[3][19]
Smith is married to Shirley Smith. He is aCatholic and a member ofVeterans of Foreign Wars. He is a recipient of theLegion of Merit, theBronze Star Medal, and theMeritorious Service Medal, among other awards for his service in the US Army.[3][1]