James E. Smith Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James E. Smith Jr.
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| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 72nd district |
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| In office June 20, 1996 – January 9, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Timothy Folk Rogers |
| Succeeded by | Seth Rose |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Emerson Smith Jr.
September 9, 1967 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Kirkland Smith
(m. 1991) |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Julian Adams II (first cousin) Elizabeth Nelson Adams (aunt) Patrick Henry Nelson III (grandfather) Patrick Henry Nelson II (great-great grandfather) |
| Education | University of South Carolina, Columbia (BA, JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1996–1998 (reserve) 1998–present (national guard) |
| Rank |  Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | United States Army Reserve South Carolina Army National Guard |
| Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan |
| Awards |  Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart |
James Emerson Smith Jr. (born September 9, 1967) is an American politician. He served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1996 to 2019. Smith is also a combat veteran and an officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard. He owns a small business and works as a lawyer in Columbia, South Carolina.
In 2018, Smith was the Democratic candidate for Governor of South Carolina. He ran in the election but lost to the current governor, Henry McMaster.
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Early Life and Education
James Emerson Smith Jr. was born on September 9, 1967. His parents were James E. Smith Sr. and Nina Nelson Smith. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina. His family has a long history of military service. They have had members serve in every generation since the American Revolutionary War.
Smith studied at the University of South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990. Later, he received a Juris Doctor degree from their School of Law in 1995. After finishing law school, he became a licensed lawyer in South Carolina and North Carolina.
Political Career
Smith was first elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1996. He represented the 72nd district, which is part of Richland County. He is known as a supporter of former President Joe Biden. Smith supported Biden in the 2008 United States presidential election.
Many people thought Smith might run for Governor of South Carolina in 2010. However, Vincent Sheheen decided to run instead. Sheheen later lost the election to Nikki Haley.
Running for Governor in 2018
In August 2017, Smith began exploring the idea of running for governor in 2018. Some experts believed he could be a strong candidate. They thought he might appeal to voters who were unhappy with other politicians. Joe Biden reportedly encouraged Smith to run for governor.
Smith officially announced his candidacy on October 5, 2017. He was the first Democratic candidate in the race. Joe Biden spoke highly of Smith. He said Smith was someone he would trust completely. Biden also described Smith and his late son, Beau Biden, as "kindred spirits." Smith's running mate for lieutenant governor was Mandy Powers Norrell. Before the Democratic primary election, Rep. Jim Clyburn supported Smith's campaign.
On November 6, 2018, Smith was defeated by the current governor, Henry McMaster. Smith received 46% of the votes. McMaster won with 54% of the votes.
Military Service
Smith joined the United States Army Reserve in January 1996. He worked as a Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) officer, which means he was a lawyer for the military. In August 1998, he moved to the South Carolina Army National Guard in the same role.
After the September 11 attacks in 2001, Smith left his JAG role. He then joined the military as an infantryman, which is a soldier who fights on foot. He started basic training. In February 2007, Smith went to Afghanistan as an infantry officer. He was part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He helped train Afghan soldiers in remote areas of southern Afghanistan.
During his 12-month tour, he received several awards. These included the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Purple Heart. He is still a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard. His current rank is lieutenant colonel.
Legal Career
Smith started his own law firm, James E. Smith, Jr., P.A., in 1995. His firm helps people in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. They provide legal help to injured people, including military members. They also handle class action lawsuits and business law cases.
In 2022, Smith became a partner at the law firm of Nelson Mullins. In 2024, Smith became a candidate for a judgeship on the South Carolina Circuit Court. The state legislature decided to restart the process for choosing someone for that position.
Personal Life
James Smith married Mary Kirkland Thomas on February 9, 1991. They have four children: Evie Emerson Smith, Thomas Bridges, Paul Bradford Jr., and Shannon Elizabeth. Smith is a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and Church of the Apostles.
From 2019 to 2022, Smith worked for Palmetto College. This is an online school program part of the University of South Carolina. He was the executive director for military strategies and programs. During this time, he also continued his work as a private lawyer.
