Erica Smith

Erica Smith (Democratic Party) is a member of the North Carolina State Senate, representing District 3. She assumed office on January 1, 2015. Her current term ends on December 31, 2020.

Smith (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. Senate to represent North Carolina. She lost in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2020.

Elections

2020

United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. Senate North Carolina

Incumbent Thom Tillis defeated Cal Cunningham, Shannon Bray, and Kevin E. Hayes in the general election for U.S. Senate North Carolina on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Thom Tillis (R)	48.7	2,665,598
	Cal Cunningham (D)	46.9	2,569,965
	Shannon Bray (L)	3.1	171,571
	Kevin E. Hayes (Constitution Party)	1.2	67,818

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 5,474,952

Democratic election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina

Cal Cunningham defeated Erica Smith, Trevor Fuller, Steve Swenson, and Atul Goel in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina on March 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Cal Cunningham	56.9	717,941
	Erica Smith	34.8	438,969
	Trevor Fuller	3.8	48,168
	Steve Swenson	2.7	33,741
	Atul Goel	1.8	22,226

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 1,261,045

Republican election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina

Incumbent Thom Tillis defeated Paul Wright, Larry Holmquist, and Sharon Hudson in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina on March 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Thom Tillis	78.1	608,943
	Paul Wright	7.6	58,908
	Larry Holmquist	7.4	57,356
	Sharon Hudson	7.0	54,651

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 779,858

Constitution election

The Constitution primary election was canceled. Kevin E. Hayes advanced from the Constitution primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina.

Libertarian election

The Libertarian primary election was canceled. Shannon Bray advanced from the Libertarian primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina.

Candidate profile

Erica Smith

Image of Erica Smith

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office:

North Carolina State Senate (2015-2020)

Biography:

Smith received a bachelor's degree from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a master's from the Howard University School of Divinity. Her experience included working in aerospace engineering at Boeing, serving on Northampton County’s Board of Education, and serving as chairwoman of the Northampton County Democratic Party. As of the 2020 election, Smith was a clergywoman and a science and math teacher. She was also co-chair of the Women’s Caucus and a vice chair of the Legislative Black Caucus in the state legislature.

Key messages

Smith said her record in the state Senate included bridging the rural-urban divide. She said she was "a steadfast advocate for our rural citizens, economic partnerships with urban centers, expansion of high-speed internet across all regions and increasing access to equitable healthcare."
Smith stated that, to beat Tillis in November, Democrats needed a candidate who could inspire turnout among the young and people of color. She said her progressive platform of healthcare for all and a Green New Deal would engage people.
Smith said she was not accepting corporate PAC donations and would only be accountable to her constituents.

Sources: Erica Smith's 2020 campaign website, "Why Am I Running?" accessed February 12, 2020, WUNC, "Erica Smith Says SHE Is The Frontrunner In The Democratic Senate Primary," January 28, 2020, Erica Smith's 2020 campaign website, "Home," accessed February 12, 2020 Erica Smith's 2020 campaign website, "North Carolina’s Erica Smith Files Candidacy For U.S. Senate to Unseat Thom Tillis," November 4, 2019, Vote Smart, "Erica Smith's Biography," accessed February 12, 2020

2018

See also: North Carolina State Senate elections, 2018

General election

General election for North Carolina State Senate District 3

Incumbent Erica Smith defeated Chuck Earley Jr. in the general election for North Carolina State Senate District 3 on November 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Erica Smith (D)	53.9	33,942
	Chuck Earley Jr. (R)	46.1	29,082

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 63,024

Democratic election

Democratic primary for North Carolina State Senate District 3

Incumbent Erica Smith advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina State Senate District 3 on May 8, 2018.

		Candidate
✔		Erica Smith

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.

Republican election

Republican primary for North Carolina State Senate District 3

Chuck Earley Jr. advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina State Senate District 3 on May 8, 2018.

		Candidate
✔		Chuck Earley Jr.

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

2016

See also: North Carolina State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the North Carolina State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election was held on March 15, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016.^[1] The candidate filing deadline was December 21, 2015.^[2]

Incumbent Erica Smith-Ingram ran unopposed in the North Carolina State Senate District 3 general election.^[3]^[4]

North Carolina State Senate, District 3 General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate
	Democratic	Erica Smith-Ingram Incumbent (unopposed)
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Incumbent Erica Smith-Ingram ran unopposed in the North Carolina State Senate District 3 Democratic primary.^[5]^[6]

North Carolina State Senate, District 3 Democratic Primary, 2016
Party		Candidate
	Democratic	Erica Smith-Ingram Incumbent (unopposed)

2014

See also: North Carolina State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the North Carolina State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 6, 2014. The general election took place on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was February 28, 2014. Erica Smith-Ingram defeated incumbent Clark Jenkins and Alan Mizelle in the Democratic primary. Smith-Ingram was unchallenged in the general election.^[7]^[8]

North Carolina State Senate, District 3 Democratic Primary, 2014
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Erica Smith-Ingram	48.3%	10,557
Clark Jenkins Incumbent	40%	8,730
Alan Mizelle	11.7%	2,552
Total Votes		21,839

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

Erica Smith did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

“

Economic Expansion

As an engineer by training – I firmly believe that systems should be analyzed and re-engineered for optimization and enhancing outcomes. Our nation was built from rural investments to urban industrialism. In the last three decades – declining population, loss of manufacturing jobs, lowering prices of agriculture commodities and more recently – tariffs, have placed the rural regions of our country in economic distress. I support targeted and strategic investments in water and sewer infrastructure, broadband, agriculture innovation, biofuels, clean energy options of wind, solar, and our highway system in order to revitalize rural economies. In closing the rural-urban divide through these re-investments – we will be able to create jobs while stabilizing underserved communities and strengthen our economy. In promoting economic development, we must work closely with our community colleges for building a skilled workforce and k-12 education systems for promoting career ready graduates. Main street revitalization and access to federal incentive programs are key contributors to growing corporate and small businesses, creating 21st century jobs and securing prosperity for all Americans. The formulas we write in Washington DC should work in all areas of our Union.

We are at a critical juncture in our nation where we must use our economic tools to promote job creation through ensuring a healthy environment for growth and support of small businesses. Our economic policies, tax and spend planning and regulations should be constructed in a manner that provides businesses with certainty and incentives, and consumers with confidence and more income. Tax cuts, government spending and fiscal policy should build the middle class and benefit more than the wealthy. I favor conservative fiscal principles and believe that retooling our formulas for business incentives should prioritize job creation.

SB 137 – Surcharge Transparency
SB 174 – Economic Security Act of 2017
SB 236 – Efficient and Affordable Energy Rates
SB 255 –
SB 329 – Econ. Dev./Renewable Energy Credit
SB 335 – Budget Technical Corrections & Study
SB 340 – Econ. Dev./Job Catalyst Fund
SB 354 – North Carolina Healthcare Jobs Initiative
SB 170 – Remove Limits on Light Rail Funding
SB 171 – Remove Limits on Light Rail Funding
SB 172 – Remove Limits on Light Rail Funding
SB 174 – Economic Security Act of 2017
SB 592 – Small Business Access to Capital Act
^SB 615 – Rural Broadband/Infrastructure
^SB 137 – Economic Security Act
SB 310 – Electric Co-Op Rural Broadband Services
SB 315 – North Carolina Farm Act of 2019
SB 505 – Rural Job Retention Act
SB 591 – One NC Funding for Small Businesses
SB 627 – Expand GREAT Grant Program
SB 652 – Small Business Capital Improvement Account
^SB 665 – Omnibus Rural Investment Act
^SB 666 – Cybersecurity and Robotics Funds

^Primary Sponsor

Environmental Stewardship

Our state and nation is rich with agriculture, eco-tourism, natural resources, including mountains, beautiful lakes, rivers, streams and coastal beaches. I support environmentally responsible growth that harnesses these resources toward promoting clean energy initiatives, fishing and wildlife protections as well as our state’s number 1 industry “farming”. I support solar and wind energy installations, broadband expansion and environmental justice for land owners.

A Green New Deal Promoting Environmental Stewardship!

Currently, I represent several counties in northeastern NC that experienced major impacts from Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. I learned, first-hand, the importance of providing responses to natural disasters with an organized, comprehensive and structured response that address immediate emergency needs and sets resiliency planning. The types of 100-year, and 500-year floods that we have experienced in two years across this nation is a warning to America that we must have a more proactive plan to deal with global warming, climate control and disaster responsiveness. Communication is a key component in responding to disasters. In this vain, we must continue to invest in satellite and communications technology that provide early prediction and monitoring of storm patterns in order to evacuate as many people as possible out of the eye of the storm. We must further perform analysis of climate change and implement policy and target goals for reducing emissions and carbon-power generation. Other necessary steps would be to re-locate threatening industries outside of the flood plains so that we can limit pollution to our clean water supplies that result from spillage, pond overflow, and flooding. Our local, state and federal planners must optimize engineering designs for emergency structures that withstand category 2, 3, 4 winds and stop relying on schools – many of which are in no condition to safely house residents in a storm. There must be federal, state and local efforts to audit regulations, policies and statutes with various EPA, Emergency Management and FEMA related to crisis response and modify any current practices for more optimized results.

^SB 236 – Efficient and Affordable Energy Rates
^SB 257 – Steel Manufacturing Slag.
SB 447 – Energy Investment Act
SB 372 – Renewable Energy Safe Harbor
^SB 236 – Efficient and Affordable Energy Rates
SB 657 – Study Hexavalent Chromium in Groundwater
^SB 2 – School Calendar and Pay/ Hurricane Florence
^SB 3 – 2018 Hurricane Florence Disaster Recovery Act
SB 77 – Ag Disaster Fund/Certain Counties
SB 511 – EV Charging Station/Parking
SB 513 – State Clean Energy Goal for 2050
SB 648 – Support Shellfish Aquaculture
SB 651 – Polluter Pays
SB 653 – Add'l Measures for Emerging Contaminants
SB 655 – Ban PFAS in Fire Retardant Foam
^SB 663 – Agricultural Relief Act

^Primary Sponsor

Education Equity

I believe it is time to bring a universally progressive, business-minded and workforce connected emphasis to K-12 education. My unique experiences as a secondary STEM educator and former school board member empower me with the understanding of optimizing stakeholder connections. If we are to regain our standings as international leaders in public education promoting career and college readiness curriculum, then we must retool our public education system. With the Federal Every Student Succeeds Acct (ESSA), we finally have the flexibility to implement an accountability program that promotes problem-based learning over high stakes testing. We can better prepare workers for the 21st century by aligning our curriculum with enhanced Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) in companion with multidisciplinary ‘whole-child’ curriculum. We should further tailor individualized education plans that prepare every student for a brighter future regardless of their choice of learning environment (Traditional, Home, Virtual, Charter, Nonpublic, hybrid). I will work to provide a quality K-12 education for students and the resources they need to acquire this in the learning environment most conducive for their progress, with a priority on strengthening the public schools of our nation.

Community Colleges with strong curriculum programs and short-term workforce training offer the optimized option for retooling our workforce and ensuring the security of America with an educated citizenry and large pool of skilled labor. We must make Community College as affordable as possible, or at minimal cost of less than $500 in tuition per term. While I am an engineer by training, I warn against having an over-emphasis on S.T.E.A.M. that discounts the need for skilled trade and fastest growing professions of personal care, wind turbine and solar panel maintenance and installation. Through apprenticeship programs – we can enhance the workforce needed for 21st century jobs and professions that do not require a four-year, Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree.

^SB 5 – Public School Building Bond Act of 2018
SB 30 – Value Student Learning Act
SB 31 – Restore Teaching Fellows Program
SB 107 – Restore Masters-Degree Pay for All Teachers
SB 147 – Reenact School Sales Tax Holiday
SB 149 – Modify School Performance Grades
SB 153 – Military Retiree State Income Tax Relief
SB 154 – Charitable Fund-Raising for Nonprofit Orgs
^SB 259 – School Calendar Flex./ Certain School Systems
SB 121 – The Excellence in School Leadership Act
^SB 226 – School Calendar Flex./Certain School Systems
SB 228 – Voter Freedom Act
^SB 233 – Permit Align School/Comm. College Calendar
SB 234 – SBA Pay/Needs-Based Pub. Sch. Capital Fund
^SB 259 – Restore Master’s Degree Pay for All Teachers
SB 283 – Classroom Experience for School Personnel
SB 301 – Need-Based Scholarships/Private Colleges
SB 312 – Surplus Computers for Low-Income Students
^SB 318 – School Calendar Flexibility/PED Report
^SB 321 – School Calendar Flexibility/PED Report
SB 332 – Repeal HB 2
SB 384 – Increase Pay/Experienced Teachers
SB 409 – Need-Based Scholars/Private Colleges
SB 418 – Dyslexia Kindergarten Screening
^SB 447 – Turning TAs Into Teachers
SB 448 – Professors in the Classroom
SB 449 – Early Ed Articulation Agreement
SB 706 – HBCU Innovation Fund
SB 401 – Pilot/Sports for Students w/ Disabilities
^SB 855 – Modify School Performance Grades
SB 149 – Modify School Performance Grades
SB 301 – Need-Based Scholarships/Private Colleges
SB 418 – Dyslexia Kindergarten Screening
SB 438 – Allow Senior Citizens to Audit UNC/CC Courses
SB 439 – Funds/Eliminate NC Pre-K Waitlist Statewide
SB 442 – Study/Expand Computer Science to All Students
^SB 447 – Turning TAs Into Teachers
^SB 466 – CIHS Funds
SB 652 – Increase Access to Higher Education
SB 319 – Modify Weighting/School Performance Grades
SB 298 – Private IHE/Campus Police/Need-Based Schol.
SB 329 – K-3 Reading and Literacy Improvement Act.
^SB 389 – Surplus Computers for Public Schools
SB 399 – Rehire High-Need Teachers
SB 487 – Student Meal Debt Policy
^SB 500 – Modify Advanced Math Course Enrollment
^SB 582 – NC Comprehensive School Accountability
SB 602 – NC Hope Tuition Program
SB 654 – Charter Schools Provide Transp. & Food
^SB 661 – UNC HBCU Funding Parity/NC A&T Doc. Programs
^SB 48 – Permit Align School/Comm. College Calendar

^Primary Sponsor

Equitable Healthcare

North Carolina and Congress has a duty to our citizens to provide access to health care, whether long term care and assisted living for senior citizens through Medicare or by expanding Medicaid for those who struggle and cannot afford access. According to a recent Health Insurance Org study, NC’s failure to expand Medicaid has resulted in denied coverage for over 800,000 eligible patients, rejection of approximately $40 billion dollars over the next decade, a denial of over 40,000 health care jobs that could be created and the likely more than 1000 deaths per year due to lack of access to care. Our citizens pay taxes that fund Medicaid expansion in other states. This is not right, and we can do better than this.

Improved Medical Care / Healthcare for all!

When elected to serve as your next US Senator, I will fight to maintain affordable healthcare for all Americans, prescription drug price controls, advancing medical research for curing cancer, HIV/AIDS, and access to Women’s Reproductive Healthcare.

In addition, I am committed to improving health ratings in low scoring regions and populations in our country through coordinated strategies for improving ratings. I will work hard as your US Senator to increase access to preventative health, increase recreation access and fitness awareness and promote access to healthy food options. Nationally – we can seek more resources through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for funding programs to address these disparities through community health partnerships. Providing more access to preventative care by closing the healthcare coverage gap through expansion of affordable healthcare for all would make a tremendous impact with reducing high costs of patient emergency care and provide early diagnosis and prevention of serious illness. Addressing food deserts and consequent lack of healthy options through farm-to-table initiatives, community gardens. USDA grants, and healthy eating public service programs. Promoting ecotourism and recreation through expanding development of walking, biking and scooter trails across underserved communities. I will also work to revise our elementary and secondary education standards of learning to include an increase in physical education requirements for students K-12, revising FDA, USDA, regulations to promote healthier national standards would also be an effort I would promote on the Hill to improve the lives of North Carolinians and all Americans.

SB 152 – NC Cancer Treatment Fairness
SB 305 – Raise Awareness About Alzheimer’s & Dementias
SB 311 – DHHS Study/Maternal and Neonatal Care
SB 328 – Lower Cost of Cataracts for Seniors Act
SB 339 – Healthy Families and Workplaces/Paid Sick Days
^SB 610 – Healthy Pregnancies/Prisoners and Detainees
^SB 522 – Raise Awareness of Lupus
SB 152 – NC Cancer Treatment Fairness
SB 328 – Lower Cost of Cataracts for Seniors Act
SB 424 – Increase Funding for Behavioral Health Svcs.
SB 458 – Increase Inmate Health Care
^SB 472 – Streamline CAP/CDSA Services Pilot
^SB 483 – NC Comprehensive School Accountability
^SB 639 – Healthy Mother, Healthy Child
SB 3 – Close the Medicaid Coverage Gap
SB 439 – PED Study-DPS/Health Services/Funds for FTE
^SB 501 –
SB 558 – Enact NC Healthy Pregnancy Act
SB 601 – School-Based Mental Health
^SB 787 – Small Farms to Healthier School Initiative
^SB 658 – Prescription Drug Pricing
SB 296 – Healthy Food Small Retailer/Corner Store Act

^Primary Sponsor

Equal Justice, Access, Opportunity, Protection And Reform

I firmly believe that the way our laws are written, implemented and applied have a disparate impact on poor people and minorities. While my list is not comprehensive, the following are initiatives that I seek to balance with fairness, equity, public safety and justice.

I support Senator Corey Booker’s Marijuana Justice Act. Marijuana should be legalized and the prison sentences for same should be reduced or commuted commensurate with decriminalization of opioids and more compassionate approaches to victims of the opioid epidemic;
I support implementation of 2012 and 2014 Department of Justice Community Policing Recommendations and Guidelines for Implementation of School Discipline Policies that enhance nondiscrimination protections of Title IV and Title VI Protections under the 1964 Civil Rights Act
I support reinstatement of Section V of the 1965 Civil Rights Act, universal and automatic voter registration, Election Day Holiday and protection of our electoral process from interference from foreign governments
Equal Pay for Equal Work, Closing the gender and demographic earnings gaps
Common Sense gun control that bans bump stocks and assault rifles and enhances universal background checks
Gender equity and protections for LGBTQ communities from harassment and discrimination
No money bonds for misdemeanors and low level felonies in advancing the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment
Sentence restructuring for non-violent, low level drug offenders
Strengthening laws against human trafficking, opioid trafficking and prescription controls

SB 3 – Close the Medicaid Coverage Gap
SB 103 – Notice to Vote Absentee Ballot W/out Photo ID
^SB 167 – Healthy Mother, Healthy Child
SB 173 – Housing Juveniles Under 18 in County Facility
SB 175 – Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention (STOP) Act
SB 179 – Recognize Chowanoke Tribe
SB 310 – Domestic Violence/Bail and Aggravating Factor
SB 352 – State Crime Lab Capacity Act/Funds
SB 445 – Expungement Process Modifications
SB 532 – Eugenics Amendments/County Victims
^SB 612 – Nondiscrimination in Public Employment
SB 613 – Prohibit Discriminatory Profiling
^SB 611 – The I WILL Act
SB 175 – Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention (STOP) Act
SB 228 – Voter Freedom Act
SB 302 – Concussion Protocol/County Rec.
SB 332 – Repeal HB 2
SB 456 – Increase De-Escalation Training for LEOs
SB 537 – North Carolina Equal Pay Act
SB 554 – Fair Redistricting/Postmark and Absentee Ballots
SB 564 – Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Act
^SB 638 – Funds to Enhance Tribal Recognition
^SB 639 – SB 167 – Healthy Mother, Healthy Child
SB 663 – The I. Beverly Lake, Jr., Fair Trial Act
SB 452 – Expand Allowable Medical Uses of CBD Oil
SB 550 – Modernization of Drug Court Program
SB 579 – The Catherine A. Zanga Medical Marijuana Bill
SB 46 – Standing up for Rape Victims Acts of 2019
^SB 184 – NC Adopt Equal Rights Amendment
^SB 209 – Hate Crimes Prevention Act
SB 294 – Make General Election Day a State Holiday
SB 455 – Equality for All
SB 464 – Full Repeal of HB2
SB 486 – North Carolina Equal Pay Act
SB 502 – "Ban the Box"
SB 544 – Establish Non-Opioid Treatment Alternatives
SB 561 – Education/Job Readiness in Prisons and Jails
SB 562 – The Second Chance Act
SB 563 – Right to Revoke Consent
SB 565 – Extreme Risk Protection Orders
SB 579 – Prison Reform Act of 2019
SB 630 – Up SHP Pay & LEO Benefits/Death Penalty
SB 656 – Const. Amendment/Repeal Literacy Test
^SB 660 – Gen. Assembly/Prevent Workplace Harassment
^SB 665 – Omnibus Rural Investment Act
SB 683 – Combat Absentee Ballot Fraud
^SB 673 – N.C. Citizens Redistricting Commission
^SB 662 – Pilots to Establish "No Money" Bail Bonds
^SB 710 – Service Worker Tax Reduction Act
^SB 789 – Gen Ass/Prevent Workplace Harassment

^Primary Sponsor

Re-engineering Policies For Progress

IMMIGRATION – I support the DREAM Act without exiting the country for access to a fair, legal route to citizenship
LIVE-ABLE WAGE (increasing the minimum wage) – I support a federal baseline for an incremental increase in the minimum wage, indexed with inflation to $12 by 2020 and $15/hour by 2024
TAX TRANSPARENCY – I support NC’s T.R.U.M.P. Act, (Tax Returns Uniformly Made Public) filed by my colleague, Senator Jay Chaudhuri, to require all candidates who run for the Office of President of the United States to release their tax summaries prior to their names being placed on the ballot. A step further – I believe that all federal candidates should report this information.
TAX CODE RE-EVALUATION – Many citizens have reached out to me to complain about how much more their tax penalty increased, or how much less they received in tax returns with the 2018 Tax and Jobs Act. Once all of the data from 2018 filings are completed, I support a thorough analysis of the tax burdens on the working middle class and adjustments in tax cuts to the wealthy. I support a Service Worker’s Tax Act and have filed bills each Session I have served in testament to my belief that tip reporting in wages creates a permanent underclass in this category of workers who are overwhelming women.
I support enshrining Equal Rights for Women in our United States Constitution
As a former union member, and representative, I support the labor movement and its backbone of bargaining in interest of workers who make America work, day in and day out.

SB143 – CDBG: Modify Uses to Include Scattered Sites
SB 150 – Auto Ins./Notice to Lienholder of Termination
SB 155 – ABC Omnibus Legislation
SB 177 – Modernize Physical Therapy Practice
SB 178 – Ltd. Driving/Remove Wait for First Offense
^SB 180 – 3rd Senatorial District Local Act-1
^SB197 – Adopt Bobcat as State Cat
SB 252 – North Carolina Teaching Fellows
SB 309 – 9/11 as First Responders Day
SB 313 – Increase Small Brewery Limits
^SB 314 – Give Retirees 2% COLA/Funds
SB 317 – Hypertension Awareness Day
SB 316 – Suicide Prevention/Awareness School Personnel
SB 322 – Caregiver Advise, Record & Enable (CARE) Act
SB 335 – Budget Technical Corrections & Study
SB 337 – Regulation of Fully Autonomous Vehicles
^SB 360 – Municipal Broadband Service Area
^SB 710 – Service Worker Tax Reduction Action
^SB 752 – Small Business Tax Relief
SB 446 – LEO Next of Kin Notification
SB 452 – Expand Allowable Medical Uses of CBD Oil
SB 453 – Driver Instruction/Law Enforcement Stops
SB 456 – Increase De-Escalation Training for LEOs
SB 457 – Amend Deferred Prosecution Statute
^SB 484 – PARTF Funding Conditions and Match
^SB 347 – Up Minimum Wage With COLA/Const. Amendment
SB 50 – Reinstate Earned Income Tax Credit

^SB 470 – Anti-Poverty Program Funds

SB 503 – Wage Theft Act
SB 586 – Modify Film Grant Incentive
SB 615 – DACA Recipients/In-State Tuition
SB 616 – Require Paid Work Breaks
SB 617 – Tax Returns Uniformly Made Public Act
SB 628 – Day Laborer Protection Act
SB 657 – Expand Property Tax Homestead Exclusion
^SB 800 – Actually Drain the Swamp

^Primary Sponsor

Gun Control

In my first 100 days as North Carolina’s next U.S. Senator - I commit to file and advance common sense gun control legislation that includes the following provisions:

1. Universal background checks, including components of existing federal proposals with 10-day waiting period for responses;
2. A ban on assault rifles and bump stocks;
3. Closing gun show / retail to owner transfers / owner to owner transfers;
4. Red flag limitations providing access for loved ones and family members to petition to remove firearms from gun owners during periods of incapacitation;
5. Increased funding and resources for a public service campaign for all public buildings, including schools and universities, to advance awareness and embodiment of the Sandy Hook Promise program;
6. Resources and public safety programs for increasing manpower, surveillance/intelligence on domestic terrorism including increased cybercrime monitoring, tracking of manifestos, white nationalist organizations and their members; and
7. Criminal justice reforms as it relates to prosecution and sentencing of domestic terrorists and serial killers. This reform should ensure that punishment is commensurate with the crime by including capital punishment in sentencing discussions.

When we have had more mass shootings than days in the year, everything must be on the table for discussion. I am done with inaction. I am not waiting for another shooting before demanding that the NCGA leadership debate and calendar votes for House Bill 86 and Senate Bill 565. I am further writing Senator Burr and my opponent, Senator Tillis, to call for a Chamber vote on HR 8 and HR 1112.

We have to act. Children are dying and the tears of mothers are met with inaction and political gamesmanship by Thom Tillis, Mitch McConnell and the like. I will work to make this country safer and you will always know where I stand as your U.S. Senator.^[9]

”

—Erica Smith's 2020 campaign website^[10]

2014

Smith's campaign website highlighted her four-point plan:^[11]

Excerpt: "Re-engineer policy and economic initiatives to ensure that workers can find jobs, fair wages and forward growth;"
Excerpt: "Create business incentives to attract high tech companies and innovative agricultural technologies to our area."
Excerpt: "Stop cuts to education so that our teachers can be adequately compensated for their valiant work and students will have the resources they need to be prepared for 21st century competencies, degrees & careers;"
Excerpt: "Promote an agenda for public safety and equal protection and opportunity under the law for all citizens of North Carolina."

Committee assignments

2019-2020

Smith was assigned to the following committees:

2017 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:

North Carolina committee assignments, 2017
• Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources
• Appropriations on Education/Higher Education
• Commerce and Insurance
• Education/Higher Education
• Transportation

2015 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Smith served on the following committees:

North Carolina committee assignments, 2015
• Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources
• Appropriations on Education/Higher Education
• Judiciary II
• Redistricting
• Transportation
• Workforce and Economic Development

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

Erica Smith did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

2014

Smith's campaign website highlighted her four-point plan:^[18]

Excerpt: "Re-engineer policy and economic initiatives to ensure that workers can find jobs, fair wages and forward growth;"
Excerpt: "Create business incentives to attract high tech companies and innovative agricultural technologies to our area."
Excerpt: "Stop cuts to education so that our teachers can be adequately compensated for their valiant work and students will have the resources they need to be prepared for 21st century competencies, degrees & careers;"
Excerpt: "Promote an agenda for public safety and equal protection and opportunity under the law for all citizens of North Carolina."

Campaign donors

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.

Erica Smith campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Result	Contributions
2016	North Carolina State Senate, District 3	✔	$38,755
2014	North Carolina State Senate, District 3	✔	$19,196
Grand total raised			$57,951
Source: Follow the Money

2018

Ballotpedia has not yet compiled campaign contribution data for this candidate.

2016

Smith-Ingram won re-election to the North Carolina State Senate in 2016. During that election cycle, Smith-Ingram raised a total of $38,755.

North Carolina State Senate 2016 election - campaign contributions
Top contributors to Erica Smith's campaign in 2016
State Employees Credit Union	$5,100
North Carolina Democratic Party	$5,000
Smith, Rebecca	$4,750
State Employees Association Of North Carolina	$3,000
Smith-Freshwater, Alicia	$2,700
Total raised in 2016	$38,755
Source: Follow the Money

2014

Smith-Ingram won election to the North Carolina State Senate in 2014. During that election cycle, Smith-Ingram raised a total of $19,196.

North Carolina State Senate 2014 election - Campaign Contributions
Top contributors to Erica Smith's campaign in 2014
State Employees Association Of North Carolina	$6,000
Onemain Financial	$5,136
G K Butterfield Comm	$2,000
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co	$1,000
Smith-Freshwater, Alicia	$800
Total Raised in 2014	$19,196
Source: Follow the Money

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in North Carolina

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of North Carolina scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2020

In 2020, the North Carolina State Legislature was in session from April 28 to September 3. The legislature was in recess from July 8 to September 1 and then reconvened September 2 to September 3.

Civitas Action

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

National Federation of Independent Business

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.

NC Values Coalition

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills relating to family issues.

2019

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show].

In 2019, the General Assembly of North Carolina was in session from January 9 through August 27.

Civitas Action

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2018

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show].

In 2018, the General Assembly of North Carolina was in session from January 10 through July 4.

The American Conservative Union

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

Civitas Action

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2017

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show].

In 2017, the General Assembly of North Carolina was in session from January 11 through June 30. Before the legislature adjourned its regular scheduled session, the legislature scheduled the following additional session dates: August 3, August 18 to August 25, August 28 to August 31, and October 4 to October 17.

The American Conservative Union

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

Civitas Action

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

NC Values Coalition

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills relating to family issues.

2016

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show].

In 2016, the General Assembly of North Carolina was in session from April 25 through July 1.

Civitas Action: 2016 Full Rankings

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

North Carolina League of Conservation Voters: 2016 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on environment and conservation issues.

N.C. Values Coalition: 2016 scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills relating to family issues.

The American Conservative Union: 2016 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2015

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show].

In 2015, the General Assembly of North Carolina was in session from January 14 through September 30.

Civitas Action: 2015 Full Rankings

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

North Carolina League of Conservation Voters: 2015 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on environment and conservation issues.

North Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare: 2015 Legislative Report Cards

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to animals issues.

The American Conservative Union: 2015 Legislative Scorecard

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

External links

Suggest a link

Search Google News for this topic
Profile from the North Carolina State Senate
Profile from Open States
Official campaign website
Biography from Project Vote Smart
Erica Smith on Facebook
Campaign contributions via Follow the Money

Footnotes

↑ The primary for U.S. congressional elections was rescheduled to June 7, 2016, following legal challenges to North Carolina's district maps. State races were unaffected.
↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2016 Candidate Filing," accessed December 22, 2015
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate Listing," accessed August 23, 2016
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2016 General Election results lookup," accessd December 21, 2016
↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate Listing," accessed January 4, 2016
↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "03/15/2016 Official primary results - Statewide," March 15, 2016
↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Primary Candidate List Grouped by Contest," accessed March 7, 2014
↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "General Election Candidate List Grouped by Contest," accessed August 12, 2014
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ Erica Smith's 2020 campaign website, "Platform for Progress," accessed February 11, 2020
↑ Official campaign website, "Platform," accessed March 24, 2014 (timed out)
↑ The primary for U.S. congressional elections was rescheduled to June 7, 2016, following legal challenges to North Carolina's district maps. State races were unaffected.
↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2016 Candidate Filing," accessed December 22, 2015
↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate Listing," accessed January 4, 2016
↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "03/15/2016 Official primary results - Statewide," March 15, 2016
↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Primary Candidate List Grouped by Contest," accessed March 7, 2014
↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "General Election Candidate List Grouped by Contest," accessed August 12, 2014
↑ Official campaign website, "Platform," accessed March 24, 2014 (timed out)

Political offices
Preceded by Clark Jenkins (D)	North Carolina State Senate District 3 January 1, 2015-present	Succeeded by NA

[1] The primary for U.S. congressional elections was rescheduled to June 7, 2016, following legal challenges to North Carolina's district maps. State races were unaffected.

[2] North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2016 Candidate Filing," accessed December 22, 2015

[glist16-3] 3.0 ^3.1 North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate Listing," accessed August 23, 2016

[gresults16-4] 4.0 ^4.1 North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2016 General Election results lookup," accessd December 21, 2016

[5] North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate Listing," accessed January 4, 2016

[6] North Carolina State Board of Elections, "03/15/2016 Official primary results - Statewide," March 15, 2016

[7] North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Primary Candidate List Grouped by Contest," accessed March 7, 2014

[8] North Carolina State Board of Elections, "General Election Candidate List Grouped by Contest," accessed August 12, 2014

[quotedisclaimer-9] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[10] Erica Smith's 2020 campaign website, "Platform for Progress," accessed February 11, 2020

[11] Official campaign website, "Platform," accessed March 24, 2014 (timed out)

[12] The primary for U.S. congressional elections was rescheduled to June 7, 2016, following legal challenges to North Carolina's district maps. State races were unaffected.

[13] North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2016 Candidate Filing," accessed December 22, 2015

[14] North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate Listing," accessed January 4, 2016

[15] North Carolina State Board of Elections, "03/15/2016 Official primary results - Statewide," March 15, 2016

[16] North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Primary Candidate List Grouped by Contest," accessed March 7, 2014

[17] North Carolina State Board of Elections, "General Election Candidate List Grouped by Contest," accessed August 12, 2014

[18] Official campaign website, "Platform," accessed March 24, 2014 (timed out)

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Erica Smith

Contents

Elections

2020

General election for U.S. Senate North Carolina

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina

Republican primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina

Candidate profile

2018

General election for North Carolina State Senate District 3

Democratic primary for North Carolina State Senate District 3

Republican primary for North Carolina State Senate District 3

2016

2014

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign website

2014

Committee assignments

2019-2020

2017 legislative session

2015 legislative session

Sponsored legislation

2020

General election for U.S. Senate North Carolina

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina

Republican primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina

2018

General election for North Carolina State Senate District 3

Democratic primary for North Carolina State Senate District 3

Republican primary for North Carolina State Senate District 3

2016

2014

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

2014

Campaign donors

2018

2016

2014

Scorecards

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

See also

External links

Footnotes

Get Engaged

2020 Elections

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