The Gist
State Senator, 21st District · Full term commencing 1/1/2027
Photo of Kent Smith
Kent SmithOfficial portrait — Ohio Senate

Kent Smith

Candidate for State Senator, 21st District, Full term commencing 1/1/2027

DemocraticIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State senator
Lives in
Euclid

State senator for District 21 since 2023; he served four terms in the Ohio House (2015–2022) and 12 years on the Euclid Board of Education.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Ohio Senate

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Supports repealing the data center sales tax exemption.In office

    Has sought repeal with Sen. Louis Blessing since December 2024.

    Smith Calls for Immediate Termination of Data Center Tax Break

    Government record · Ohio Senate · May 21, 2026 · ohiosenate.gov

    “Senator Blessing and I have been attempting to repeal the data center sales tax break since December 2024.”
    Report

Public safety

  • Co-sponsored a ban on bump stocks and trigger cranks.In office

    Senate Bill 235, with Sen. Hearcel Craig.

    Smith, Craig Testify on Gun Safety Legislation

    Government record · Ohio Senate · Nov 6, 2025 · ohiosenate.gov

    “which would ban the sale and use of devices that accelerate a firearm's rate of fire”
    Report

Environment & parks

Government & transparency

  • Sponsored bills barring utilities from billing customers for political activity.In office

    Senate Bills 245 and 246.

    Smith Testifies on Legislation to Expand Utility Reforms, Protect Consumers

    Government record · Ohio Senate · Nov 5, 2025 · ohiosenate.gov

    “Utility customers should not be forced to pay for political activity with which they may not agree.”
    Report

  • Opposed Senate Bill 172 expanding state immigration enforcement.In office

    Smith Condemns Anti-Immigrant Bill

    Government record · Ohio Senate · Jun 18, 2025 · ohiosenate.gov

    “This bill is a needless attack on individual liberties”
    Report

  • Opposed creating a state Election Integrity Unit.In office

    Senate Bill 4 (2025).

    Smith Condemns Election Overreach Bill

    Government record · Ohio Senate · Jun 18, 2025 · ohiosenate.gov

    “establishing a partisan Election Integrity Unit under the Secretary of State”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Kent Smith on them.

  • EducationNo documented position found.

All sources (10)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.