Robert E Smith Jr
Candidate for State Representative, 22nd District
Background
- Occupation
- Program specialist, New Vitae Wellness and Recovery
- Lives in
- Allentown (East Side)
- Campaign website
- smithforpa.com
A program specialist at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery who served 16 years on the Allentown School Board, five terms as its president, and on Allentown City Council. He lost the Feb. 24, 2026 special election for this seat to Democrat Ana Tiburcio.
Photo: Campaign photo — submitted by the candidate to VOTE411
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Proposes cutting property taxes with revenue from regulated skill games and legal recreational cannabis.
ReportPennsylvania State Representative District 22 — VOTE411 Voter GuideCandidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · Most pressing issues · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I advocate for lowering property taxes without raising sales or income taxes by increasing state revenue through skill games and recreational cannabis.”
Allentown special election: Republican Smith makes his case on ICE, taxes and homelessness in 22nd District raceNews coverage · Lehigh Daily · Feb 23, 2026 · lehighdaily.com
“Smith said he backs Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposal to legalize recreational marijuana and regulate games of chance to generate revenue”
Supports suspending legislators' pay and keeping them in session until a budget passes.
ReportPennsylvania State Representative District 22 — VOTE411 Voter GuideCandidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · State budget process · onyourballot.vote411.org
“If there is any delay, legislators should be required to remain in session until a budget is in place. Furthermore, legislative pay should be suspended”
Public safety
Said he would vote for a state ban on masks for federal immigration officers.
ReportAllentown special election: Republican Smith makes his case on ICE, taxes and homelessness in 22nd District raceNews coverage · Lehigh Daily · Feb 23, 2026 · lehighdaily.com
“Smith said he would vote for such a measure if it came to the state level.”
Housing
Says unsheltered residents need permanent homes, not just relocation; backs more state housing aid.
ReportAllentown special election: Republican Smith makes his case on ICE, taxes and homelessness in 22nd District raceNews coverage · Lehigh Daily · Feb 23, 2026 · lehighdaily.com
“We just can't relocate them. We have to get them a home, … He also called for expanded state funding for services already in place, including housing assistance, job placement and family reunification programs.”
Economy & jobs
Calls for abolishing Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone and returning its tax revenue to residents.
ReportAllentown special election: Republican Smith makes his case on ICE, taxes and homelessness in 22nd District raceNews coverage · Lehigh Daily · Feb 23, 2026 · lehighdaily.com
“On the Neighborhood Improvement Zone, Smith called for abolishing the NIZ and returning tax revenue to residents.”
Environment & parks
Supports zoning that protects open space and makes developers pay for infrastructure upgrades.
ReportPennsylvania State Representative District 22 — VOTE411 Voter GuideCandidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · Most pressing issues · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I support zoning that protects open space and ensures that developers, rather than taxpayers, fund infrastructure upgrades”
Health & human services
Supports wider Narcan access, including in libraries, and restoring drug education in schools.
ReportAllentown special election: Republican Smith makes his case on ICE, taxes and homelessness in 22nd District raceNews coverage · Lehigh Daily · Feb 23, 2026 · lehighdaily.com
“Smith said he supports expanded access to Narcan, including placement in libraries and public spaces”
Government & transparency
Pledges regular town halls, office hours, listening sessions and bilingual district office staff.
ReportPennsylvania State Representative District 22 — VOTE411 Voter GuideCandidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · Elections · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I plan to implement regularly scheduled town halls, consistent office hours, and both in-person and virtual listening sessions.”
Allentown special election: Republican Smith makes his case on ICE, taxes and homelessness in 22nd District raceNews coverage · Lehigh Daily · Feb 23, 2026 · lehighdaily.com
“Smith pledged that his district office would have bilingual staff from day one”
All sources (14)
- 2026 General Election Sample Ballots (by precinct), Berks County - November 3, 2026
Election filing · Berks County Board of Elections / Election Services · berkspa.gov
- Official Notice of Election for Military and Overseas Voters, County of Lehigh - 2026 General Election (November 3, 2026)
Election filing · Lehigh County Voter Registration Office · Jul 28, 2026 · lehighcounty.org
- 2026 General Election UMOVA Notice: Official Notice of Election for Military and Overseas Voters, candidate list (Northampton County)
Election filing · Northampton County Election Division · norcopa.gov
- 2026 General Election UMOVA Notice: Official Notice of Election for Military and Overseas Voters (Northampton County)
Election filing · Northampton County Election Division · norcopa.gov
- Voter Registration - Lehigh County
Election filing · Lehigh County Voter Registration Office · lehighcounty.org
- About Me | Robert E. Smith Jr. for PA State Representative
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Robert E. Smith Jr. · smithforpa.com
- Democrat Ana Tiburcio wins Pa. 22nd District seat in special election
News coverage · WFMZ-TV 69 News · Feb 24, 2026 · wfmz.com
- 2026 General Election Unofficial Candidate List, Montgomery County
Election filing · Montgomery County Voter Services / Board of Elections · Aug 27, 2026 · assets.montgomerycountypa.gov
- Unofficial Sample Ballots for 2026 General Election (by voting district), Montgomery County - November 3, 2026
Election filing · Montgomery County Voter Services / Board of Elections · webapp07.montcopa.org
- Official Candidate Listing - November 3, 2026 General Election, Bucks County
Election filing · Bucks County Board of Elections · Sep 17, 2026 · buckscounty.gov
- 2026 General Election Sample Ballots (by municipality and voting precinct), Bucks County
Election filing · Bucks County Board of Elections · buckscounty.gov
- Official Notice of Election for Military and Overseas Voters, County of Bucks - 2026 General Election (November 3, 2026)
Election filing · Bucks County Board of Elections · buckscounty.gov
- Pennsylvania State Representative District 22 — VOTE411 Voter Guide
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
- Allentown special election: Republican Smith makes his case on ICE, taxes and homelessness in 22nd District race
News coverage · Lehigh Daily · Feb 23, 2026 · lehighdaily.com
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.