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Shaina Smith

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Shaina Smith
Image of Shaina Smith
Elections and appointments
Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Killingly High School

Bachelor's

Southern Connecticut State University, 2007

Personal
Birthplace
Massachusetts
Profession
Business owner
Contact

Shaina Smith (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Rhode Island House of Representatives to represent District 41. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Smith completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Shaina Smith was born in Massachusetts. She earned a high school diploma from Killingly High School and a bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State University in 2007. Her career experience includes working as a business owner.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: Rhode Island House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Rhode Island House of Representatives District 41

Incumbent Robert Quattrocchi defeated Shaina Smith in the general election for Rhode Island House of Representatives District 41 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Robert Quattrocchi
Robert Quattrocchi (R)
 
65.0
 
5,818
Image of Shaina Smith
Shaina Smith (D) Candidate Connection
 
34.9
 
3,123
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.1
 
9

Total votes: 8,950
Candidate Connection = 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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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Rhode Island House of Representatives District 41

Shaina Smith advanced from the Democratic primary for Rhode Island House of Representatives District 41 on September 10, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Shaina Smith
Shaina Smith Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
357

Total votes: 357
Candidate Connection = 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

Republican primary for Rhode Island House of Representatives District 41

Incumbent Robert Quattrocchi advanced from the Republican primary for Rhode Island House of Representatives District 41 on September 10, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Robert Quattrocchi
Robert Quattrocchi
 
100.0
 
641

Total votes: 641
Candidate Connection = 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.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Smith in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Shaina 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.

Expand all | Collapse all

I have over 13 years of public policy, government and media relations career, today, I’m a small business owner and proud mom.

I'm a former news director/news anchor for a radio station; the position later led to my becoming the director of state policy and alliance development for a national nonprofit organization. This was an invaluable experience, as I was humbled to have had the chance to help improve the lives of an extremely vulnerable population. I curated and helped pass legislation that improved the lives of children and adults living with chronic conditions. My position within the policy and advocacy world wasn't just a career, it was personal. My son and I live with a genetic connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). As both a patient and caregiver, I know first-hand what it's like to be a part of an underserved, often invalidated population. I also know the challenges constituents face when it comes to insurance barriers and mobility issues. I'm looking forward to bringing this knowledge to the state house.

Voters should know that I served two terms on the Thompson, CT Board of Selectmen, the youngest woman to successfully win and serve at this capacity. When I'm not engaged with the Scituate community, I'm working alongside my husband and son to sustain our family businesses. Together, we enjoy nature trails, traveling, music, bird watching, helping animals, Pokémon.
  • I’m running for state representative in the district because our community deserves to be empowered by an elected official who values strong community connections, practices bipartisanship, compassion, and attentive communication. District 41 needs a lawmaker who will elevate your voice at the state house and I'm eager to become that public servant for you.
  • While on the campaign trail, I’ve listened to your stories and I’ve been truly inspired. From retired veterans to full-time working moms, each and every person I’ve shaken hands with has me eager to build a meaningful, effective relationship with all voters, as well as members of the House. This type of connection is desperately needed to develop and pass bills that will truly support Scituate and Cranston taxpayers. Presently, our community is underserved, and it’s been noticed at the state level. I can bridge that gap that exists between the constituents and the General Assembly, but it's going to take the support of all registered voters. I'm asking that we put political parties aside for the sake and betterment of District 41.
  • Scituate and Cranston residents within D41: VOTE for someone who will support a state budget that enhances nursing homes, empowers small businesses and promotes public safety. VOTE without worrying if your elected official will assist senior citizens, hold insurers accountable or disenfranchise all voters in the district. VOTE in favor of community building, bipartisanship and open communication. On Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, vote for the person who is relatable, has witnessed the same lack of leadership over the years as you, and knows that we deserve better. Make your vote count by choosing the candidate who will give you a voice on issues that impact our children and our future. Vote for Shaina Smith on Tuesday, November 5th.
The health and wellbeing of vulnerable patient populations and the insurance barriers and lack of access to treatments often children and adults face while also battling chronic illness. Accessibility and transportation issues for those who face mobility issues. Climate and environmental issues/public safety.
I look up to my nana, who passed away in 2022. She had an appetite for life and could find a song for any and every situation. She was just the right balance of being an incredibly strong, independent woman, while also normalizing vulnerability and emotions. She always made it a point to let her granddaughters know how proud she was of them, celebrating the small victories and the significant milestones.
Nana's joyous personality and witty remarks had you always wanting to be around her. When she was in the room, you felt safe and loved. I was always especially fond of her ability to listen with an open heart, knowing when you wanted her opinion, or when you simply needed a hug. Nana was also a very opinionated Irish Democrat. She would let you know (whether you wanted to or not) which candidates she favored and which ones she disliked. While I wouldn't be as vocal as my nana when it comes to likes and dislikes, there are so many traits of hers that I'd like to emulate myself, as a person and politician.
Legislators who lead with compassion and humility, who work towards serving the many and not just the few are the unsung heroes I aspire to emulate when elected. I do not take likely the fact that it’s an incredible responsibility to serve in public office. Public service comes with difficult decision-making that can have a lasting impact on our children, the elderly, veterans, vulnerable populations and other unique taxpayers. I am not afraid of, but excited for the opportunity to support my neighbors as their state representative; they deserve a legislator who will lead with dignity and civility.
I possess strong leadership and communication skills, along with the ability to listen with compassion and to practice bipartisanship. I'm also experienced with developing and amending legislation, helping pass bills and empowering others to engage at the state level.
The core responsibilities include effectively making decisions based on the needs of the many, and not just the needs of the few. To research, ask questions, learn, gain input and reflect on the information obtained to make the most informed decision possible, leaning on the assistance of experts and the constituents for guidance. Another core responsibility is to introduce sound legislation that continues to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders.
I believe the most significant event that stands out in my mind is September 11th, 2001. I was just in high school and teachers were telling classrooms to turn on their televisions because something was happening. We were all watching in disbelief from our desks, sitting closely with friends to provide comfort to each other while we witnessed the horrific tragedy before us.
My first job was as a cashier and pharmacy technician for an independently-owned pharmacy. I was employed there for five years; I would make the over one hour commute home while in college to continue working at the store.
It may be difficult to just pick one...I truly enjoy Sy Montgomery books because I'm enamored with animals. I also really enjoyed Wesley the Owl and The Adventurer's Son.
These are difficult questions to just pick one! Josephine March from Little Women. She is adventurous, brilliant, and truly loved her sisters in a way that is only understood if you have sisters of your own, which I do!
Because the last word of this question is "head", my brain started singing "Cable car (Over My Head)" by The Fray.
I would say that I've experienced many adversities, some of which were unintended and others that were circumstantial. I wouldn't necessarily call it a struggle, but one thing that has is too often stigmatized is that of the chronic pain and neurodivergent populations, of which I belong. I can find it challenging when my mental or physical health experiences a setback. I strive to keep up with the rest of the world, but I know that is not always an attainable goal. I'll always have to manage the challenges that come with being born with a genetic connective tissue disorder, comorbidities, and mental health diagnoses. I do find that these traits can also make me more relatable, human, and compassionate towards others who would benefit from such an individual serving as a state legislator.
The ideal relationship is a symbiotic one, a transparent and respectful one that leans on the other to introduce policies that will ultimately benefit the citizens of Rhode Island. The governor should be easily accessible and reachable to meet with members of the legislature, and vice versa.
Our state's greatest challenges will include the fair reimbursement, retention and increased population relating to our health care providers. Currently, residents will cross the border to receive care, clinicians are practicing out-of-state to receive higher reimbursement rates for services, and there continues to be a significant decrease within our healthcare in the way of employment. It's crucial that we develop ways to fix this very fragile system over the next decade.
While not necessary, it can prove beneficial if legislators have some type of leadership experience and/or governing experience.
I believe it's beneficial to be civil, respectful and have an open door policy with other legislators from all political parties. Our political system works at its best when there is balance, bipartisanship, and partnerships.
I heard from a retired veteran who is a nurse and she works with patients who are going to be transitioning to a Hospice program. She works with other health professionals to prepare both the patient and family with end-of-life conversations. Her husband is also a veteran, but has had to receive his care outside of the VA due to staffing issues and other inadequacies. Her selfless character stood out in my mind. Here she was, having served her country and is now continuing to provide an invaluable service to others who are nearing their end-of-life, while at the same time, ensuring her husband is able to receive the best treatments and care. The conversation had me wanting to contribute to the legislature's efforts of enhancing Rhode Island's health care system, the VA, increasing staffing, etc.
I have draft legislation on a few bills, one that would eliminate an unfair insurance practice relating to formulary changes.
Build RI, The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America
Public safety, environment, insurance.
Financial transparency and government accountability are paramount if constituents are to trust in the democratic process and if elected officials are to carry out their duties effectively.

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.


Shaina Smith campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* Rhode Island House of Representatives District 41Lost general$8,449 $0
Grand total$8,449 $0
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 6, 2024


Leadership
Speaker of the House:K. Shekarchi
Majority Leader:Christopher Blazejewski
Minority Leader:Michael Chippendale
Representatives
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District 21
District 22
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District 24
District 25
District 26
Earl Read (D)
District 27
District 28
District 29
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District 32
District 33
District 34
District 35
District 36
District 37
District 38
District 39
District 40
District 41
District 42
District 43
District 44
District 45
District 46
District 47
District 48
District 49
Jon Brien (I)
District 50
District 51
District 52
District 53
District 54
District 55
District 56
District 57
District 58
District 59
District 60
District 61
District 62
District 63
District 64
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District 66
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District 68
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District 75
Democratic Party (64)
Republican Party (10)
Independent (1)