Adam Smith

Adam Smith is a Democratic politician who has represented Washington's 9th Congressional District since 1997. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in SeaTac, Washington, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fordham University in 1987 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law in 1990. Before entering federal office, Smith worked as a prosecutor for the City of Seattle and served as a judge pro tempore. In 1990, at the age of 25, he was elected to the Washington State Senate, becoming the youngest state senator in the United States at that time. Smith was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, defeating incumbent Republican Randy Tate. Throughout his tenure, he has become a prominent figure in national security and defense policy, having served as both the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee. His work in Congress has frequently focused on military oversight, defense authorization, and the economic development of the Puget Sound region. In addition to his committee leadership, Smith has been involved in legislation concerning affordable housing, aerospace, and veterans' affairs. He is recognized for his long-standing service in a diverse district that includes parts of Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. Smith has been re-elected to his seat consistently since his initial victory, maintaining a focus on balancing national defense priorities with the local needs of his constituents.

Adam Smith's policy positions generally align with the moderate-to-progressive wing of the Democratic Party. On healthcare, he supports protecting and expanding the Affordable Care Act and has advocated for expanding Medicare to include dental, vision, and hearing coverage. In the realm of economic policy, he supports raising the federal minimum wage, increasing investments in workforce training, and promoting the creation of clean-energy jobs. He has also introduced legislation aimed at curbing hedge-fund ownership of single-family homes to address housing affordability. Regarding the environment, Smith emphasizes the need for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels toward a decarbonized economy, supporting significant investments in green infrastructure and salmon restoration. On immigration, he supports comprehensive reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and improvements to the asylum process. As a leader on the Armed Services Committee, his foreign policy approach emphasizes a balance of defense, diplomacy, and development, often advocating for measured military power alongside increased diplomatic engagement and international assistance.