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Michael A. Smith (Delaware)
Michael A. Smith (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Delaware House of Representatives to represent District 21. He lost in the Democratic primary on September 10, 2024.
Smith completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Michael A. Smith earned a graduate degree from the University of Alabama. He has been affiliated with the following:[1]
- Resident Member of the Delaware Pedestrian Council
- Secretary of BikeNewark
- Vice President of the Delaware Young Democrats
- Coach of the UD Speech and Debate Team
- Vice Chair of the 21st RD Democratic Committee
- Assistant Treasurer of the Newark Branch NAACP
Elections
2024
See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Delaware House of Representatives District 21
Frank Burns defeated Brenda Mennella in the general election for Delaware House of Representatives District 21 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Frank Burns (D)  | 57.9 | 7,415 |
 | Brenda Mennella (R) | 42.1 | 5,397 | |
| Total votes: 12,812 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Delaware House of Representatives District 21
Frank Burns defeated Michael A. Smith in the Democratic primary for Delaware House of Representatives District 21 on September 10, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Frank Burns | 50.7 | 1,142 |
 | Michael A. Smith | 49.3 | 1,112 | |
| Total votes: 2,254 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Brenda Mennella advanced from the Republican primary for Delaware House of Representatives District 21.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Smith in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Michael A. Smith completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Smith's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Improving policy has always been my primary motivator. My first job was as an economic researcher and consultant, studying the energy markets of the mid-Atlantic. That led me to start an environmental non-profit focused on reducing emissions, called Powering Our Future. We help New Castle County residents and businesses electrify their modes of transportation and lawn care tools. While managing the non-profit, I have also filled in as a substitute math teacher, previously in Christina and currently in Red Clay.
However, this run was most inspired by my time as a legislative aide in the Delaware State House. Working in Dover was a fantastic opportunity where I sharpened my knowledge of the legislative process. In addition, I got to learn the ins and outs of constituent service, from filling potholes to upgrading stormwater drainage.- Road safety: Recently, there has been a sharp uptick in the number of deaths on Delaware roads, leading to one of the worst 4-year stretches in Delaware history. On July 8th of last year, I was nearly added to that statistic, as I was T-boned by a driver fleeing a hit-and-run. While I am fortunate to have made a near full recovery, others have not been as lucky. Last year, the Governor appointed me to serve on the Delaware Pedestrian Council in recognition of my advocacy. In that role and as state representative, I will work tirelessly to make sure our families feel safe sending their kids to school and commuting to work.
- Strengthening our Schools: As someone who grew up in public schools and has worked as a substitute teacher, I've seen firsthand the challenges our education system faces. Delaware's schools are filled with talented, hardworking people, but they're held back by structural issues. As state representative, I'll prioritize three key areas: First, establishing a statewide Pre-Kindergarten program to give all children a strong start. Second, improving educator retention by ensuring competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Third, expanding access to technical education and pre-apprenticeship programs to prepare students for diverse career paths. By investing, we can build a stronger foundation where all students thrive.
- Protecting Our Rights: As your representative, I'll be a tireless advocate for reproductive, voting, and workers' rights. I'm ardently pro-choice and will work to uphold and strengthen Delaware's codification of reproductive rights, while addressing our high maternal mortality rates. On voting rights, I support a constitutional amendment for no-excuse absentee voting and making Election Day a state holiday to increase accessibility. For workers' rights, I'll oppose so-called 'right-to-work' laws, support fair wages, and expand project labor agreements to ensure just compensation and conditions. I believe these fundamental rights are interconnected and essential to a fair, equitable society.
In my case, my background uniquely positions me to serve effectively. As a legislative aide in Dover, I worked directly with state representatives, gaining hands-on experience in addressing constituent issues and navigating complex government systems. This experience, combined with my leadership in founding Powering Our Future and representing New Castle County residents on the Delaware Pedestrian Council, has honed my skills in policy development and community engagement. My roles with various issue organizations and political campaigns further demonstrate my commitment to public service and my ability to drive positive change. This blend of practical experience and leadership makes me well-prepared to represent and advocate for our district effectively.
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1
Carpenters Local 255
Cement Masons and Plasterers Local 592
Elevator Constructors Local 5
IBEW Local 313
Insulators Local 42
Ironworkers Local 451
Laborers Local 199
Operating Engineers Local 542
Pipefitters Local 74
Roofers Local 30
Sheet Metal Workers Local 19
Teamsters Local 326
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
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Delaware House of Representatives District 21 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 12, 2024
