Kamela Smith

Kamela Smith earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1994. Smith has been affiliated with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Seeds of Greatness Bible Church, the Host and Hostess ministry, the Financial Peace University, Keys to Freedom, Gilliam Fellowship, and Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Kamela "Kam" Smith, and I'm running for office as a progressive Democrat to confront the barriers facing our community in Bear, New Castle, and St. Georges. I’m an author, mother in a blended family, and a woman of faith, and my commitment to public service is deeply personal. On my 18th birthday, my grandmother took me to register to vote, teaching me the value and importance of voting—a lesson I've passed on to my own children when they turned 18, instilling in them the importance of civic engagement.

Though I'm not a native of Delaware, my family relocated from Philadelphia over 20 years ago in search of a safer environment, a better education system, and new opportunities. Delaware quickly became our home, where my children grew up in the public and vocational technical education systems, and where my family flourished.

As a single parent and working mom, I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing work, family health, and financial stability. I'm committed to advocating for policies that alleviate this pressure on families.

With over 25 years in public healthcare field, I’ve seen the systemic issues that affect our communities. I’ve witnessed the decline in quality of life for my neighbors under the same leadership that’s been in place since I first moved here. That’s why I’m running to be your next State Representative for District 15. It’s time for real change and a new direction for the community I call home.

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 work to ensure that all Delawareans have access to comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality health care and wellness services.

Health care is a fundamental right. I will advocate for expanding access to affordable health care for all residents. This includes supporting the expansion of Medicaid, reducing prescription drug costs, exploring options for a statewide public option to lower marketplace insurance costs and increase access to cover all Delawareans. Mental health is as important as physical health, and I will work to increase funding for mental health services, integrate mental health care into primary care settings, and expand access to counseling and support services.I believe everyone has the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment. As a committed advocate for environmental justice and sustainability, I will prioritize building a resilient, green economy while ensuring that the impacts of development do not harm our most vulnerable communities. I will champion efforts to transition Delaware to a Green State by investing in renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar.Our neighborhoods should be safe places to work and play for our families. We must address the prison industrial complex and the root causes of crime. Ensuring that our police do not have to enter situations that mental health providers or social workers would be better equipped to handle remains essential.

I will advocate for comprehensive re-entry programs that provide education, job training, mental health services, and housing assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals. Additionally, I will support measures to increase transparency and accountability within police departments, including the use of body cameras, independent oversight of misconduct, and regular public reporting.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

A strong community requires economic policy which is inclusive and just. My priorities focus on addressing long-standing disparities, protecting workers’ rights, and ensuring access to essential resources and services.

I will support policies that strengthen labor protections, ensure fair scheduling, and guarantee paid family and medical leave. Empowering workers through collective bargaining and stronger labor laws will create a more just workplace and enhance economic security for all.

We must give our young people early support for career and educational opportunities. I will support initiatives that create internship/apprenticeship programs, and integrate career exploration into school curricula.

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

I believe compromise is necessary and often desirable in policymaking, as it helps bridge diverse viewpoints and achieve workable solutions in a diverse society. While standing firm on core principles is important, rigid positions can lead to gridlock, preventing progress on critical issues. Compromise allows for incremental change and ensures that policies have broader support, which can enhance their sustainability and effectiveness. However, it is essential that compromises do not sacrifice fundamental rights or justice for marginalized communities. Effective policymaking balances idealism with pragmatism, ensuring that progress is made without undermining core values.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of confidence and empowerment. I hope to inspire others to believe in themselves, knowing that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. It's about showing people that regardless of the challenges or barriers they face, they have the strength and ability to overcome them and achieve their goals.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is "All About Love" by bell hooks. It profoundly shifted my perspective on love, not just as an emotion, but as a transformative force that can reshape our personal lives and society. She offers a powerful framework for building more compassionate and connected communities. This book resonates with me because it aligns with my belief that love is an essential foundation for justice, equality, and meaningful change in our world.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I believe the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be built on collaboration, respect, and a shared commitment to serving the people of Delaware. While we may not always agree on every issue, it’s crucial that we work together to find common ground and put the needs of our communities first.

The governor and legislature must function as partners in progress, united in their efforts to deliver real results for the people. This requires open lines of communication, active listening, and a willingness to engage in healthy debate.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

One of the greatest challenges Delaware will face over the next decade is the lack of affordable housing. As our population continues to grow, the demand for affordable homes is outpacing supply, leading to rising rents and home prices that put an enormous strain on working families, seniors, and young people. Many of us are struggling to keep a roof over our heads, while others face the looming threat of displacement.

Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive strategy that includes expanding affordable housing options, implementing rent stabilization measures, and ensuring that developers prioritize community needs over profit. We must strengthen protections for tenants and increase investment in housing programs that support low-income families. Addressing the housing crisis is essential for creating a community where everyone, regardless of income, can live with dignity, stability, and opportunity.

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

While past political or governmental experience can be beneficial, it’s equally important to bring fresh ideas and perspectives from a diverse set of backgrounds into our legislature. New voices and innovative approaches remain crucial for addressing the evolving challenges our state faces. What matters most is a commitment to serving the community, a willingness to listen and learn, and the ability to collaborate with others to drive meaningful change. By combining experience with new perspectives, we can create more effective and responsive government that truly reflects the needs and priorities of all Delawareans.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Any joke which my nephew Jordan tells me.