Shirley Smith (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shirley A. Smith
Member of the Ohio Senate from the 21st district
In office January 2, 2007 – November 30, 2014
Preceded by	C. J. Prentiss
Succeeded by	Sandra Williams
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 10th district
In office January 6, 2003 – January 2, 2007
Preceded by	Annie L. Key
Succeeded by	Eugene Miller
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 8th district
In office January 3, 1999 – January 6, 2003
Preceded by	C. J. Prentiss
Succeeded by	Lance Mason
Personal details
Born	(1950-11-29) November 29, 1950 (age 74) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Children	2
Education	Cuyahoga Community College (AA) Cleveland State University (BA)

Shirley A. Smith (born November 29, 1950) is an American politician. She served in the Ohio Senate from 2007 to 2014. Before that, she was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. She is a member of the Democratic Party.

Early Life and Education

Shirley Smith grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. She went to Cuyahoga Community College and earned an associate degree. Later, she studied at Cleveland State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Shirley Smith's Career Journey

Before becoming a politician, Shirley Smith had several interesting jobs. She worked in sales and marketing. She was also a radio talk-show host for a big radio station in Cleveland. Plus, she worked as a consultant for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

Starting in the Ohio House

Shirley Smith began her political career in the Ohio House of Representatives. In 1998, she ran for election in District 8. She won the election with a large number of votes. She was re-elected in District 8 in 2000.

In 2002, the election districts changed. Shirley Smith ran for District 10 and won. She was unopposed in the general elections in 2002 and 2004. During her time in the House, she served as secretary for the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC). This group works to support African-American lawmakers in Ohio.

Moving to the Ohio Senate

In 2005, Shirley Smith decided to run for the Ohio Senate. She wanted to represent District 21. She won the primary election, which is when people choose who will represent their party. Then, she won the main election in 2006 with many votes.

In the Senate, she continued her leadership roles. She became the president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus. In 2008, she was chosen as the assistant minority leader for the Senate Democrats. This meant she helped lead her party in the Senate. She kept this role for several years.

Shirley Smith was re-elected to the Senate in 2010. She served until November 2014, when she resigned a month before her term ended.

Running for U.S. House

In 2021, Shirley Smith ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. This was a special election for Ohio's 11th congressional district. She participated in the Democratic primary election.

Personal Life

Shirley Smith is divorced and has two children. She lives in Cleveland, Ohio. She also owns property in South Euclid, Ohio.

Images for kids

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  Shirley A. Smith, a politician from Ohio.