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Colby Smart
From Ballotpedia
Colby Smart (No party preference) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 2nd Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Smart completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Colby Smart was born in Lower Lake, California. He graduated from Clear Lake High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Humboldt State University in 1997, a graduate degree from Pepperdine University in 2009, and a graduate degree from the University of New England in 2009. His career experience includes working as an education administrator.[1]
Smart has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce
- College of the Redwoods Foundation
- Rotary International
- Humboldt County Historical Society
- California County Superintendents Curriculum and Instruction Committee (CISC)
- California Global Education Project Board
Elections
2026
See also: California's 2nd Congressional District election, 2026
Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House California District 2
Incumbent Jared Huffman, Kevin Eisele, and Colby Smart are running in the general election for U.S. House California District 2 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Jared Huffman (D) | |
 | Kevin Eisele (D)  | |
 | Colby Smart (No party preference) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Kyle Wilson (No party preference)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Colby Smart completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Smart's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Born and raised in Lakeport, California, Colby grew up in a hardworking, blue-collar family that instilled in him the values of resilience, integrity and service to community. Growing up in rural Northern California— Colby witnessed firsthand the opportunities and obstacles that families in small-town America face. Those early lessons shaped the leader he is today: someone committed to building stronger communities through education, service and collaboration.
For more than two decades, Colby has served the region as an education leader. In his current role as Deputy Superintendent at the Humboldt County Office of Education, he has worked to strengthen schools, expand opportunities for students and forge partnerships that prepare young people for the workforce of the future. Beyond the classroom and administrative offices, Colby has also served his community through roles with the Rotary Club, the College of the Redwoods Foundation Board, the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, the Humboldt County Historical Society, and the California Global Education Project—each experience reinforcing his belief that progress is achieved when we work together.
In his personal life, Colby is proud to call Northern California home. He lives in beautiful Humboldt County. Together with his wife Toni and their three children, he shares a commitment to civic life, to the next generation, and to the shared future of the places they love.- Strengthening Rural and Northern California Communities Colby’s campaign is rooted in giving voice to the often-overlooked communities of Northern California. From Modoc to Marin, he believes that strong schools, thriving small businesses, and resilient local economies are the foundation of healthy communities. He will advocate for policies that address the unique challenges of rural areas—such as infrastructure, broadband access, and equitable funding—ensuring that every Californian has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their ZIP code.
- Revitalizing Education and Workforce Development As an educator and public servant, Colby understands that education is the cornerstone of opportunity. He will champion public-private partnerships that connect schools with industry, creating clear pathways from education to employment. His focus is on preparing students for the jobs of the future while supporting teachers, expanding access to global education, and fostering collaboration that transcends geography to strengthen every community’s capacity to grow and innovate.
- Restoring Trust and Collaboration in Government Colby is running as an independent because he believes leadership should rise above partisan divides. Both major parties have too often prioritized political wins over people’s needs. He seeks to restore a culture of integrity, civility, and collaboration in Congress—one that listens to all voices and focuses on practical solutions. His goal is to represent everyone in District 2, building consensus to move California and the nation forward together.
Colby is most passionate about public policies that strengthen rural and urban communities, expand educational opportunities, and build a more collaborative, people-centered government. He advocates for equitable funding for Northern California schools, investment in workforce development, and partnerships that connect education with local and global industries. As an independent, Colby supports pragmatic policies that transcend party divisions, ensuring that government works for everyone—from small towns to coastal cities—through collaboration, accountability, and shared purpose.
I look up to so many people but if I had to narrow it down to one I would say my Father. He is the hardest working, most kind, and thoughtful person I know. He continues to be a helpful guide for me. Throughout my life he encouraged me to carve my own path, live with conviction, and not take myself too seriously. I inherited his green thumb as well.
I believe the most important qualities in an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to listening to all people. Leadership should be grounded in service, not partisanship. Drawing from his experience in education and community building, I value collaboration, transparency, and empathy—principles that bring people together to solve problems. He is dedicated to thoughtful, independent decision-making that reflects the needs of Northern California’s diverse communities, not the interests of political parties or special groups.
A member of the U.S. House of Representatives carries the responsibility of giving real voice to the people they serve. That means writing, debating, and voting on laws that improve lives—focusing on issues like education, jobs, infrastructure, and the environment. It also means being available and responsive to the community, helping constituents navigate federal services and ensuring their concerns are heard in Washington. Representatives are accountable for how federal funds are spent and must keep a close eye on government actions to make sure they reflect the values and priorities of the people they were elected to serve.
The legacy I hope to leave is one of service to others, the environment, and generation yet to be born
The most impactful event when I was young was when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded back in 1986. I was two days from my 11th birthday. I watched it with my classmates live on TV because a school teacher, Christa McAuliffe, was on board. This terrible accident was a national tragedy but all the astronauts on board were and continue to be American heros.
My first summer job was in the pear sheds of Lake County, California when I was fourteen. My first dip into the world of work was for a local gas station market in town. The owner hired me for a couple hours a week to label merchandise. That was back when there were actual price stickers before scanning codes on everything.
Since I was young, Lord of the Flies continues to be my favorite book because it explores the fragile balance between civilization and dysfunction. The questions of leadership, morality, and the choices people make under pressure are particularly compelling in this book. It has lessons that transcend generations and time.
The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it is designed to be the most direct link between the people and the federal government. Representatives are elected every two years, it reflects the needs and voices of local communities. From my work in education and community leadership across Northern California, I’ve seen how crucial it is for leaders to be present, responsive, and connected to the people they serve. The House’s structure encourages debate, accountability, and collaboration, making it a place where practical solutions can be forged—qualities I hope to bring to Congress as an independent voice for all constituents in District 2.
While experience in government or politics can be helpful, I believe the most important quality in a representative is a commitment to serving people with integrity, independence, and practical problem-solving skills. My background in education, leadership at the Humboldt County Office of Education, and work connecting communities—both locally and globally—has shown me the value of collaboration, accountability, and listening to diverse voices. These experiences equip me to represent Northern California effectively, even without a prior career in politics, by focusing on results, not partisanship.
Over the next decade, the United States will face major challenges that require strategic planning and action. Fiscal responsibility is critical as we balance growing public debt with investments in education, infrastructure, and technology to stay globally competitive. Artificial intelligence is projected to disrupt the workforce, making retraining and workforce development programs essential to prepare Americans for the jobs of the future. Globally, rising tensions with China and Taiwan, ongoing instability in the Middle East, and other international conflicts demand careful diplomacy to maintain security and stability. At home, we must rebuild trust in government and support rural and underserved communities to strengthen a resilient, unified nation.
Yes, I believe two years is the right term length for U.S. House of Representatives. A shorter term keeps representatives closely connected to the people they serve and accountable for their decisions. From my experience leading educational initiatives and working directly with communities across Northern California, I’ve seen how quickly needs can change and how important it is to stay responsive. Two-year terms ensure that members of Congress must remain engaged, listen carefully, and act in the best interests of their constituents, rather than becoming detached for those being represented.
Term limits are ultimately up to the voting public which requires a civically engaged populous. I agree with the constitutional amendment of no more than two terms for president. Terms limits for both the House and Senate should be aligned closely with the Federal Census. 5 terms of 2 years for the House and 2 terms of 6 years for the Senate.
Shirley Chisholm, was a Democrat and is widely admired for her courage, independence, and willingness to speak her mind, even within her own party. Her commitment to representing all voices, especially those often overlooked, resonates deeply with my own approach to leadership. Like Chisholm, I am focused on putting people—not politics—first, ensuring that every community in Northern California is heard. Her example inspires my campaign’s emphasis on principled, independent thinking, collaboration, and practical solutions that serve the needs of the whole district.
Yes, compromise is necessary for effective policymaking. Throughout our history, finding common ground has helped the country move forward. The Great Compromise of 1787, for example, balanced representation between large and small states and made our government work. More recently, bipartisan agreements on infrastructure and social programs have delivered real results for people. At the same time, some compromises—like those that allowed slavery to continue—show that compromise must be guided by principle. Working together and finding common ground is essential for keeping our nation united and moving forward.
The House’s power to originate revenue bills would be a critical tool for advancing District 2's priorities while ensuring fiscal responsibility. I would use this authority to support investments in education, workforce development, and infrastructure—especially programs that strengthen Northern California’s rural and underserved communities. This approach ensures taxpayer dollars are directed toward initiatives that have real impact, rather than broad or unfocused expenditures, and reinforces my commitment to thoughtful, accountable governance that serves the people first.
The U.S. House should use its investigative powers to ensure accountability and transparency, consistent with its responsibilities under Article I of the Constitution. If elected, I would support investigations that protect the public interest, uncover misuse of resources, and ensure laws are faithfully executed, while avoiding partisanship or political gamesmanship. Drawing from my experience leading collaborative initiatives in education and community programs across Northern California, I understand the importance of thorough, fair oversight to build trust, strengthen institutions, and ensure government serves the people effectively.
My three children are my most important accomplishment.
The government has a critical role in guiding the development and use of artificial intelligence to ensure it benefits society while minimizing risks. From my perspective, informed by experience in education and workforce development across Northern California, government should set clear standards for safety, ethics, and accountability, while supporting innovation and equitable access. Policies should prioritize retraining and workforce development, preparing Americans for AI-driven changes in the economy, and fostering public-private partnerships that connect technology with education, industry, and community needs—ensuring AI serves people, not just profits.
I would support laws that make elections fair, secure, and easy for everyone to participate in. This means updating voting systems, training local election officials and tackling new challenges like misinformation and AI. My goal is to make sure elections are safe, accessible, and run in a way that communities can trust. I also believe that national elections should have their own national holiday in order to maximize participation in voting.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate U.S. House California District 2 |
Personal |
Footnotes
Senators
Alex Padilla (D)
Adam Schiff (D)
Representatives
District 1
Doug LaMalfa (R)
District 2
Jared Huffman (D)
District 3
Kevin Kiley (R)
District 4
Mike Thompson (D)
District 5
Tom McClintock (R)
District 6
Ami Bera (D)
District 7
Doris Matsui (D)
District 8
John Garamendi (D)
District 9
Josh Harder (D)
District 10
Mark DeSaulnier (D)
District 11
Nancy Pelosi (D)
District 12
Lateefah Simon (D)
District 13
Adam Gray (D)
District 14
Eric Swalwell (D)
District 15
Kevin Mullin (D)
District 16
Sam Liccardo (D)
District 17
Ro Khanna (D)
District 18
Zoe Lofgren (D)
District 19
Jimmy Panetta (D)
District 20
Vince Fong (R)
District 21
Jim Costa (D)
District 22
David Valadao (R)
District 23
Jay Obernolte (R)
District 24
Salud Carbajal (D)
District 25
Raul Ruiz (D)
District 26
Julia Brownley (D)
District 27
District 28
Judy Chu (D)
District 29
Luz Rivas (D)
District 30
Laura Friedman (D)
District 31
Gil Cisneros (D)
District 32
Brad Sherman (D)
District 33
Pete Aguilar (D)
District 34
Jimmy Gomez (D)
District 35
Norma Torres (D)
District 36
Ted Lieu (D)
District 37
District 38
Linda Sánchez (D)
District 39
Mark Takano (D)
District 40
Young Kim (R)
District 41
Ken Calvert (R)
District 42
Robert Garcia (D)
District 43
Maxine Waters (D)
District 44
Nanette Barragán (D)
District 45
Derek Tran (D)
District 46
Lou Correa (D)
District 47
Dave Min (D)
District 48
Darrell Issa (R)
District 49
Mike Levin (D)
District 50
Scott Peters (D)
District 51
Sara Jacobs (D)
District 52
Juan Vargas (D)
Democratic Party (45)
Republican Party (9)
