Chuck Smith

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At age 17, Smith enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served for six years. Upon completing his service, Smith earned his B.A. and J.D. from North Carolina Central University. He went on to receive a commission from the U.S. Navy JAG Corps and earned his certification in military science from the Naval Justice School. He served in the Navy as an attorney for two decades. Smith and his wife have five children.[1]

Chuck Smith did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Rising from the projects of Greensboro, NC to the sand lots of Philadelphia, PA, onto the Marine Corps' training fields and to the courtrooms of the Navy JAG Corps, I do not come from riches or wealth nor climb through the privilege of private schools. I hail from the public schools of the south and the corridors of publicly funded colleges. And through it, like so many before me, courage, integrity, experience, and conservative leadership became the testament to my character, spirit, and faith. I am running for the US Senate to stop the shredding of the U.S. Constitution, to ensure its provisions are equally enforced at all levels of government; including the right to keep and bear arms, the right to life from conception until natural death, and enforce the laws against illegal immigration and secure our borders, and fight for freedoms against the encroachment of government. So help me, God.

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 will fight against the mistreatment of parents like domestic terrorists, against crime and cancel culture.I will fight to grow our Economy, stop rocketed Inflation, and reign in the National Debt.I will fight to secure Election Integrity, Energy Independence, and our border.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Cancel Culture policy and mistreating parents like domestic terrorists

Cyber Issues

Drug policy

Economic policy and the National Debt, foreign policy

Election Integrity

Energy Independence

Fight against Crime

Immigration policy and the Border

Inflation

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

Every day, and every speech I look up to President Ronald Reagan and to President Abraham Lincoln; and I would like to follow the example set by them. Where Lincoln (like Reagan) did not shiver in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and both, against the odds, renewed faith in a nation, renewed the values of freedom to millions of Americans to join as one America, and in so doing gave meaning to the US Constitution, bringing mother, father, son and daughter together, regardless of race, for the good of country. The principles they espoused were those that we have seen even at the dawn of the 20th century eradicate the vestiges of separate but equal and forever rise to warning that "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream . . .". These men, their courage, their integrity, faith and experience are what brings this country into the full meaning of "We the People". Think about it- what if we had elected officials who did not shiver, compromise or cave to go along to get along?

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Yes, there are books that I would recommend. I'd start with:

The Bible

The Constitution of the United States of America.

The Declaration of Independence.

The Federalist Papers.

The Emancipation Proclamation

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

Integrity, Courage, Conservative loyalty to the nation and its Constitution, and Experience in the understanding of the laws and the limits placed upon government in the execution of those laws.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Faith in God

Belief in the Constitution

Patriot

Marine Corps (0311), enlisted during Vietnam Era

Commander, Navy JAG Corps, Ret.

Husband, father

Business Owner

Former Chairman. Statewide Frederick Douglass Foundation of Virginia

Former Chairman. Republican Party of Virginia Beach

Former Chairman. Statewide Ethnic Coalitions Committee. Republican Party of Virginia

Former Chairman. Statewide Welcoming Committee. Republican Party of Virginia

Former Chairman. 120 Club. Republican Party of Virginia Beach

Former Member, State Central Committee. Republican Party of Virginia

Former Basileus (President). Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Alpha Chapter

Former Board of Directors. Roanoke Bar Association

Former Board of Directors. Campus East Community Association

Former Appeals Examiner (Richmond). Virginia Employment Commission

Former Deputy Ombudsman. Des Moines. State of Iowa

Delegate. Republican National Convention 2004

Delegate. Republican National Convention 2008

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

Core- adhere to the Constitution and the laws thereunder. Serve the people, not each other.

What legacy would you like to leave?

To have left a place worn with tear where people recognize was a key in the battle for America and humanity.

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

Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, I was 11 years old

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

US Marine Corps, Enlisted 1970, Discharged 1976

What is your favorite book? Why?

Books:

The Bible- because it teaches how we should live.

The Constitution- because it teaches how we must live.

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

Daredevil

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

God Bless America- land that I love, stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above. . .

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

Growing up, watching people dig the ditches that they have fallen into, time and time again, chasing away the dreams they pursue, and doing the same thing over and over again expecting different result.

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

In the brief space here provided, my summary is: I perceive that China, Iran and North Korea, will be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade. I believe that Russia is a threat if we continue expansion of NATO to pre-soviet bloc countries. Having said that, as China expands it economic base of influence throughout the world, China will become a greater threat economically and militarily. Tipping the scale will be Taiwan and our responses to its requests for help, or even interactions. Warning signs are China's imposition of sanctions against US companies selling supplies and equipment to Taiwan. North Korea and Iran are wild cards, because their presence on the world theatre is that which China allows and permits. They will be as useful (especially North Korea) as China needs them to be.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

My thoughts on term limits are simple- serve two consecutive terms, (maximum three) and then get out/sit out and then run for reelection. This way the American people (your constituents) have a say-so in your continued service. The President can serve forever, 8-years at a time. To avoid the appearance or trappings of tyranny, the President is prohibited from serving a third term. Senators should be prohibited from serving a third term as well. In a matter of urgency, maybe a third term, but there is no rational basis for serving 18 or more years, except the rational of homesteading.

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

The institution of the U.S. Senate is but one-half of one of the three branches of government (United States Congress), serving the role on the check and balances of government. But unique to the upper chamber of the United States Congress serving as a brake on executive power is the responsibility of conducting impeachment proceedings of federal officials, advising on treaties, and engaging confirmation hearings of federal appointments including ambassadors and judicial court justices.

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

No, I do not believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics. If anything, it provides for the opportunity to develop the political clout and influence to homestead in public office, often without connection to the effectiveness of their public service. A clear example is that we find many elected officials who have been totally ineffective in office but who have gained clout and powerful influence from their previous experience using that power and influence to garner support amongst their colleagues and party officials to tilt the scale in their favor comes primary time or reelection time. Many of these people become political bullies, rather than effective leaders. The American people want elected officials to serve them, not serve each other.

What do you think of the filibuster?

I support the filibuster and it is an essential tool to ensure the minority party gets a voice, and I support that.

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

No.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

The criteria that I will use to evaluate a judicial nominee:

(1) that the nominee desires to serve, rather than cater to the elected official.

(2) that the nominee desires to have no conflicts or predispositions that would negatively affect their service.

(3) that the nominee believes in the US Constitution as it is written

(4) that the nominee will uphold the US Constitution as it is written, its prohibitions of government and its guarantees of rights as written in the Amendments.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

The relationships that I would you with other senators is a working relationship, where compromise or agreements to compromise on fundamental matters do not exist. Too often our Senators pledge to serve each other rather than serve their constituents, endorsing a Senator's favorite bill, or a Senator's favorite friend. This policy has to end. Work should be accomplished with that which is in the best interest of the American people, and not the American Senator.

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

I believe that compromise is necessary for policymaking, but not compromise on fundamental issues and fundamental values. There can be no compromise on the issues of Cancel Culture policy and mistreating parents like domestic terrorists, as this is destroying the fabric of our society. There can be no compromise on the issues of the illegal Immigration and open borders, as this affects the sovereignty of our nation- a nation without borders will fail to exist; Americans are not safe if drugs and trafficking pour through our borders. There can be no compromise on the issues of Election Integrity, as the legal vote is critical to the very existence of government.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

Broadly, but not so broad that its powers transcend the rights guaranteed to the people under the Constitution. The Senate's power to conduct investigations is inherent in the broad legislative authority of the Senate. The authority of Senate to conduct investigations is an implied constitutional power, where the power to make Laws is the power to investigate. But remember that the Amendments are a check upon all power exercised by the Senate, by government.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

The criteria that I would apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet is simple- (1) that appointees desire to serve, rather than cater.

(2) that appointees have no conflicts or predispositions that would negatively affect their service.

(3) that appointees believe in the US Constitution as it is written

(4) that appointees will uphold the US Constitution as it is written, its prohibitions of government and its guarantees of rights as written in the Amendments.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A local attorney in Virginia Beach who has practiced law for more than 41 years, in Federal law, State law, Iowa law, Virginia law, Military, and Immigration law; defending clients and their rights under the Constitution of the United States in federal courts (both Article I and Article III), state courts, military tribunals and civilian tribunals; representing people from all walks of life; with a current focus in Constitutional Law, Criminal, and Immigration.

A former U.S. Marine (0311) and U.S. Naval Commander (Retired), Judge Advocate General's Corps; Chuck is married to his beautiful wife Edith and has five children, one of whom is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Chuck has lived in Virginia for the four decades in Roanoke, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. Chuck has been active in his various communities and has served as either Chairman, President, Officer, Delegate, or on the Board of nearly every organization he has been a member of.

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?

Get the Constitution back, it is critical to a democracyStop shredding the ConstitutionStand against government encroachment

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about the Constitution and gun legislation that runs afoul of it. I am passionate about legislation to protect children and schools from violence of any kind. I am passionate about First Amendment rights, and the censorship that we see across this nation arriving in Virginia. Rhetoric has taken over the political square, and nothing gets done. We have to take Virginia back, and with it do what our elected officials have so far failed to do, and that is to give the people back their rights to vote, to speech, to bear arms, to have the freedom to worship their God and to thrive in their economy. If we fail, Virginia fails. If Virginia fails, America fails.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The Constitution of the United States and the Virginia Constitution are on the daily menu of the Attorney General of Virginia. This office alone has the unique responsibility to assure the constitutional rights of Virginians are being followed and preserved.

The National Association of Attorneys General has described the office as being at the "intersection of law and public policy." What does that mean to you?

This office defines the meaning Constitutional Rights which, like no other office, intersects with every aspect of our lives and government.

The attorney general often sets policy priorities for law enforcement. For example, a state's attorney general may decide to dedicate extra resources to combat human trafficking. Are there certain areas of law enforcement that you would emphasize?

Illegal immigration and sanctuary holdup in Virginia drive up costs, services, and crime.

A state's attorney general has many responsibilities. Which of those do you personally consider the most important?

Following, and preserving the constitutional rights of the Virginians.

Attorneys general can represent their states in legal conflicts with the federal government. Do you consider this an important part of an attorney general's responsibilities?

I most certainly do. Virginia is a bell-weather state, but most importantly it is the state that nearly surrounds Washington D.C. the center of the federal government. The Virginia Attorney General has a responsibility to assert Virginians' rights at every corner and every aspect of federal intervention.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for a state's attorney general to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe that it is critical for an Attorney General to have held leadership positions (plural) in the political system for the very reason that all government is political, yet the Attorney General must know how to wade through the politics and remain focus on his promise to the people and his oath to the Constitution. Otherwise, the snakes in government and the naysayers in politics will have their way with him and in the end, he will prove to be ineffectual and fail to accomplish his mission- protecting the Constitution at all levels.

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

A young President Abraham Lincoln grappling with the decision of right and wrong, good and bad, greed and passion, but in the end, making the decision to lead a nation away from its past to its future.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The making of the President, 2016 by Roger Stone. What men Live by, by Leo Tolstoy. The Fire Next time by James Baldwin.

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

Character, courage, loyalty, faith in God, experience, and patriotism.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Articulate, Charissmactic, Dynamic, Energetic, Intelligent, Inspiration, Knowledgeable and credentials for the job.

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

Be articulate- say what you mean, mean what you say. Dynamic- represent with passion and courage. Listen- learn from the cries of the people where their harm may lie. Inspiring- give the best answer to the simplest question. And never, forget the faith of the people that elected you. They will not forget.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I answered by nation's call. That that I served, not once but twice, and in that I have nearly done everything in two's:

2-bar exams by examination;

2-military discharges;

2-masonic levels

2-language fluencies, and

2-law degrees.

AndI answered to the call of God.

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

I was a paperboy in Greensboro, North Carolina, working a newspaper route delivering the morning paper, in good weather, the rain and the snow, to my neighborhood. I held this job for nearly two years. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It taught me responsibility, determination and work ethic, which I would need a year later at MCRD, Parris Island, South Carolina.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Biography of Frederick Douglass. It presents real life struggles at a time when one, against all odds, man exceeded the norm.

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

Isaac Asimov, as in I Robot.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Brooks & Dunn - Only In America

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

Convincing smart people not to do the same thing over and over expecting a different result.

Campaign website

Smith’s campaign website stated the following:

Shredding the Constitution

From our 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution, through the 10th Amendment, our freedom is in peril. The Virginia General Assembly joined the National Democrat (Socialist) Party in their assault on those freedoms given by God and guaranteed by our Constitution. I will meet this assault head-on.

2nd Amendment

The momentum to disarm the citizens is gaining strength in Virginia. The Liberal Virginia General Assembly got their collective “noses under the tent” and now pledge further dissolution of our 2nd Amendment rights. I will bear true faith and allegiance to the oath I will take when I assume the office of Attorney General… “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” … So help me God.

Protect “Life”

The chilling effect of Governor Northam’s approach to “life” is a key reason I have to act, to get in to the arena and turn back this unthinkable assault on “life,” from inception until death.

As Virginia’s Attorney General, Chuck will:

Stop the shredding of the U.S. Constitution, the greatest document written by man. Ensure its provisions are equally enforced at all levels of government.

Protect Virginia’s 2nd Amendment rights “to keep and bear arms.”

Protect “life from conception until natural death.”

Enforce laws against illegal immigration to protect all Virginians.

Fight for Virginia freedoms against the encroachment of government on issues that matter to Virginians.

Review/Redress the liberal agenda of the 2020 Virginia General Assembly.

Restore the winning tradition of the Republican Party of Virginia after 10 straight statewide losses.

[2]

—Chuck Smith’s campaign website (2021)[3]