Ceretta Smith

Ceretta Smith was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She served in the U.S. Army from 1992 to 2000. She graduated from Fayetteville Terry Sanford High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the Minnesota Graduate School of Theology in 2004, a graduate degree from the Calvary Bible Institute in 2008, and a degree from Deeper Bible College in 2024. Her career experience includes working as a physical evaluation boards liaison officer at Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center, a union official, and a substitute teacher. Smith has been affiliated with the American Federation of Government Employees, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Sistah Soldiers United Organization.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Ceretta Smith is a proud U.S. Army Veteran, wife, mother, grandmother, faith leader, small business owner, and dedicated public servant. For the past twenty years, she has called Grovetown home, where she lives with her husband, Retired Sergeant First Class Sterling Vandolph Smith.

Her life has been defined by service—first to her country, then to working families, and now to her community. Ceretta served nearly a decade as an Army medic, caring for soldiers in hospitals, clinics, and in the field while stationed in Germany. After her military service, she continued serving the nation for twenty-five years as a federal employee, where she became a strong advocate for labor, civil, and human rights. She rose through leadership ranks in the American Federation of Government Employees—the largest federal government union in the country—serving as Women’s and Fair Practices Coordinator, Chief Steward, Legislative Political Coordinator, Local President, Georgia State Council President, and ultimately National Fair Practices Coordinator.

As a Councilwoman in the City of Grovetown, Ceretta has been a hands-on leader who puts people first. She championed a citywide Literacy Initiative, distributing hundreds of books, reading to children about municipal government, and helping an after school program publish a children’s book. She has also completed hundreds of hours of municipal government training, ensuring she is well-prepared to serve her constituents effectively and responsibly

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I’m running to restore trust in government by putting people before party. I will work across the aisle to deliver real results that strengthen families, support workers, and build an economy that works for everyone—not just the wealthy few.The heart of our campaign is economic opportunity—creating good-paying jobs, lowering costs, supporting small businesses and family farmers, and protecting Social Security and Medicare so hardworking Georgians can thrive from paycheck to retirement.From improving access to affordable healthcare and education to ensuring veterans and rural communities get the resources they deserve, I will fight every day for fairness, opportunity, and dignity for all who call Georgia’s 12th District home.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about public policies that strengthen working families, protect veterans, and ensure dignity and security for our seniors. As a U.S. Army Veteran, a wife, a mom, and the daughter of elderly parents, I understand firsthand how vital affordable healthcare and Social Security are to families like mine.

As a Union member and retired federal employee, I’ve spent my career fighting for fair wages, safe workplaces, and respect for the people who keep our country running. I’m committed to policies that grow our economy from the middle out—supporting workers, small businesses, and family farmers—while protecting the rights and benefits Americans have earned through a lifetime of hard work.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to many strong women in my life, but the first is my mom. With only a high school education, she worked in a factory until it closed, then in daycare centers, and eventually retired from the public school system as a custodian. Through every challenge, she made countless sacrifices to ensure we had the best opportunities. I will never forget the day she paid off her house—she called me crying tears of joy, and I understood the depth of her struggle and triumph. She is proof that the American Dream is attainable, and she is my shero, inspiring me to persevere and serve others with determination and heart.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, honesty, and accountability are the most important qualities an elected official can have. As a U.S. Army Veteran, I was taught the core values of integrity, honor, and character—principles that guide me every day. My parents raised me to do what’s right, even when it’s not easy, and my faith as an ordained minister reinforces my belief that leadership is a form of service, not power.

Elected officials should be held to the highest standards because they represent the trust and hopes of the people. I believe leaders must listen with compassion, act with integrity, and always put the needs of their constituents above personal or political gain.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of a member of Congress is to represent the people with integrity, accountability, and fairness. That means listening to constituents, understanding their needs, and making decisions that improve their daily lives—not serving special interests or political agendas.

A representative must also provide oversight to ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely, protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens, and support policies that strengthen the economy, healthcare, education, and national security.

As someone who has served in the U.S. Army, worked in government, and led in my community, I believe this office carries a sacred trust—to serve the people with honor, transparency, and a commitment to results over rhetoric.

What legacy would you like to leave?

When my mission on this earth is complete, I want people to remember that I loved deeply and served wholeheartedly. I want them to know that I used my heart, my light, and my love to lift others up, to make a difference in their lives, and to leave the world a little better than I found it. My legacy is one of compassion, service, and dedication to helping people thrive.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was born in 1968, a year of tremendous change in our nation. While I don’t remember the events of that year personally, I grew up hearing about the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, who were both tragically assassinated that year.

The first major historical event I clearly remember was the Watergate scandal and the resignation of President Nixon in 1974. I was around six years old, and even at that age, I could sense that something very serious was happening in our country. It taught me early on about accountability and the importance of honesty in leadership—values that continue to guide me today.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I had my very first job when I was fifteen years old. My uncle was a chef at a restaurant and he got me a job bussing tables. I left after a year when I was hired by Red Lobster as a hostess.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is the Bible. It offers timeless guidance for how to live with integrity, love, and compassion, and teaches us how to treat others with respect and dignity. Its lessons have shaped my values, informed my decisions, and continue to guide me in serving my family, my community, and my country.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Wonder Woman—because I already think I am! She represents strength, compassion, courage, and a deep commitment to justice. Like her, I believe in using power to protect, uplift, and serve others.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of my greatest struggles has been learning to balance my call to serve with my responsibilities to my family. As a veteran, wife, mother, and caregiver, there have been seasons when I’ve felt pulled in many directions. But those experiences taught me grace, perseverance, and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. They deepened my empathy for working families who face similar challenges every day.

Every struggle has strengthened my resolve to serve with understanding, humility, and heart—and to create policies that help families not just survive, but thrive.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it is the branch of government closest to the people. Members of the House are elected every two years, ensuring they remain directly accountable to their constituents and responsive to the changing needs of their districts.

The House is designed to reflect the diverse voices, values, and experiences that make up our nation. It is where ideas are debated, oversight is exercised, and laws begin that impact the everyday lives of Americans.

As the People’s House, it embodies the spirit of democracy—government of, by, and for the people—and serves as a vital check to ensure that power remains in the hands of those it represents: the American people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

While I respect that many people bring fresh perspectives to public service without prior government experience, I do believe experience in government or public office makes a meaningful difference. Understanding how policy is shaped, how budgets are managed, and how to navigate the processes that impact people’s lives helps a representative serve more effectively from day one.

Having worked in government and served as an elected official, I’ve learned the importance of accountability, transparency, and collaboration. Experience doesn’t replace passion or new ideas—it enhances them. It allows leaders to turn good intentions into real results for the people they represent.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The greatest challenge facing our nation over the next decade is the erosion of trust in our democracy and in one another. Our Constitution, which has guided this nation for generations, is under attack—not just from foreign adversaries, but from division, misinformation, and the growing belief that power matters more than principle.

We are witnessing the unraveling of civility, integrity, and respect for truth—the very fabric that holds our democracy together. If we lose faith in our institutions and in each other, we risk losing the America that so many have fought and sacrificed to protect.

As a veteran, minister, and public servant, I believe we must restore integrity in leadership, rebuild respect for truth, and recommit to the idea that we are one nation, united in purpose, even when we disagree. Our democracy can endure, but only if we choose to defend it together.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I do. Two years keeps representatives accountable to the people they serve and ensures they stay closely connected to the needs and priorities of their districts.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe in term limits because public service should be about progress, not permanence. Every generation of leaders brings fresh ideas, new energy, and a renewed commitment to solving the challenges of their time. If, after serving no more than three terms, a representative has not helped create a lasting legacy or paved the way for the next generation, it may be time for new leadership with fresh eyes and fresh perspective.

Term limits help ensure accountability, prevent complacency, and keep government responsive to the people it serves. Leadership should always be about passing the torch, not holding onto it.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Yes. I had the honor of meeting Congressman John Lewis, one of my heroes, and it is a moment I will never forget. He embodies the kind of representative I strive to be—caring, compassionate, bold, and selfless. His courage and unwavering commitment to justice inspire me to serve my constituents with integrity and to fight for what is right, even when it is difficult.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I believe compromise is often necessary in policymaking, but it should never come at the expense of integrity, ethics, or the rule of law. As leaders, we are elected to serve the people—not a party or personal agenda—and sometimes that requires working together to find common ground so that everyone benefits.

However, there is a clear line I will never cross. I will never compromise my moral compass, my values, or my oath to uphold the law and serve honorably. Productive compromise can move our nation forward, but it must always be guided by honesty, respect, and a shared commitment to doing what is right for the American people.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I am especially proud of my work promoting literacy and civic engagement in our district. I started a literacy initiative that provided hundreds of books to children, read to students about municipal government, and helped children in an after school program publish their own children’s book. Seeing young people excited to read, learn, and engage in their community has been deeply rewarding, and it reflects my belief that empowering the next generation is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader.

Ceretta Smith did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.