Michael A. Smith

Michael A. Smith earned a bachelor's degree and a graduate degree from the University of Alabama. Smith's career experience includes working as an economist. He has been affiliated with the following:[1][2]

Resident Member of the Delaware Pedestrian Council

Secretary of BikeNewark

Vice President of the Delaware Young Democrats

Coach of the UD Speech and Debate Team

Vice Chair of the 21st RD Democratic Committee

Assistant Treasurer of the Newark Branch NAACP

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Michael Alexander Smith. I’m a proud lifelong Democrat, a professional economist raised in a working-class family, and I'm running to be Delaware’s next State Treasurer.

I became an economist after watching my parents struggle to pay bills and save for college during the Great Recession. Financial security has never been abstract to me. With little saved for college, I moved hundreds of miles away to chase a merit scholarship. I earned dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and finance, then went on to earn my Master’s degree in public policy economics.

As the only professional economist in the race, I have worked at some of the nation’s premier research organizations focused on economic and financial analysis, first at Secretariat Economists and most recently at Cornerstone Research. There, I worked alongside leading academic and industry experts, analyzing complex economic and financial issues, from energy markets to financial securities.

Between those roles, I worked in the Delaware House Democratic Caucus in Dover. I worked with state representatives to improve life for Delaware residents, and I created online tools to model changes in revenue and finance policy.

Outside of work, I have spent years organizing for Democratic candidates and advocating for policies that help working families get ahead. In addition to economic issues, I have been an active advocate for road and pedestrian safety, labor rights, and protecting our democracy.

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?

Expanding Retirement Security

Every Delaware worker deserves the opportunity to retire with financial security. However, too many Delawareans struggle to save enough for the future. As Delaware’s population continues to age, saving for retirement is more important than ever. As Treasurer, I will help Delawareans save for retirement by:

- Increasing awareness of Delaware EARNS (a state-sponsored retirement plan) among small business owners and their employees, and creating a clear on-ramp for gig workers and the self-employed to participate as well.

- Advocating to reinstate retirement contribution matching for teachers and state employees, which has been suspended since 2008, and adjust the maximum match to account for inflation.Making Higher Education Attainable

Education is a promise we make to our community and a cornerstone of progress. My family struggled to save for college in the face of skyrocketing tuition costs—a painful situation that too many families still face today. To help families and students prepare for the expenses of college or vocational training, I'll:

- Increase the seed funding for new 529 savings accounts for young children, to get parents and loved ones in the habit of saving early on.

- Expand the A$PIRE529 pilot to be more generous and inclusive of students without parental support.

- Initiate a “baby bonds” program for children born into low-income families.Defending Against Trump’s Chaos

The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have created significant economic uncertainty for working families and retirees, while threatening funding and programs that Delawareans rely on. As Treasurer, I will:

- Ensure that Delaware is ready in the face of any future federal funding disruptions, particularly for big-budget items like Medicaid, SNAP, and education.

- Prioritize stress-testing our investments against a range of scenarios, ensuring our rainy-day funds are robust and prepared for economic and federal funding disruptions.

- Use the Treasurer’s office platform and my economic expertise to speak out against Wall Street policies that shift greater risk onto workers and retirees.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Beyond economics and finance, I'm passionate about several issues facing our state and country:

- Transportation safety: I have been appointed by both Gov. Carney and Gov. Meyer to the Delaware Pedestrian Council. For years, I've also served on the board of BikeNewark and volunteered with the Everyone Gets Home Summit.

- Labor rights: I am proudly pro-worker. I have advocated for legislation that helps workers get ahead and ensures Delaware keeps its commitments to organized labor. I’m proud to be the only Treasurer candidate endorsed by a union.

- Democracy: I'm deeply concerned about attacks on our democracy. I supported passage of the Delaware Voting Rights Act and have attended dozens of peaceful protests across Delaware.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Delaware State Education Association

Delaware State Association of Letter Carriers

Delaware Stonewall PAC

Delaware College Democrats

Indivisible: Delaware Diamond Chapter

Sen. Jack Walsh (Capital Improvement Chair)

Rep. Kim Williams (Appropriations Chair)

Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden (Joint Finance Member)

Rep. Sophie Phillips (Natural Resources Vice Chair)

Former Rep. Paul Baumbach (SEBC Member)

Newark Mayor Travis McDermott

Donna Smiths (Former AFL-CIO Vice President)

Moms Demand Action Distinction

Campaign websiteSmith's campaign website stated the following:PrioritiesAs Treasurer, these are my priorities to help Delaware workers and families put their best financial foot forward.Expanding Access to RetirementAs Delaware’s population continues to age, saving for retirement is more important than ever. It is imperative that our current and future retirees are financially prepared and have the option to age gracefully and without burden. The Office of State Treasurer has two programs to help Delawareans save for retirement: Delaware EARNS (for the estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Delaware workers who do not have access to traditional, employer-sponsored retirement plan) and DEFER (for state employees to supplement Social Security, pension, and personal savings). As Treasurer, I will:Increase awareness of DE EARNS among small business owners and their employees, and create a clear on-ramp for gig workers and the self-employed to participate as wellReinstate matching of DEFER retirement contributions for teachers and state employees (which has been suspended since 2008) and adjust the maximum match to account for inflationBuild on recent financial literacy legislation by partnering with Del Tech, local school districts, and labor unions to deliver financial literacy training to students and working adults, with a particular focus on the benefits of starting retirement savings earlyMaking College AttainablePublic education is a promise we make to our community and a cornerstone of progress. Having grown up attending public school, I know firsthand the difference that a great education can make in a student’s life. During the height of the global recession, my family struggled to save for college in the face of skyrocketing tuition costs—a painful situation that too many families still face today. While I was fortunate to earn a full scholarship for my bachelor’s and master’s programs, many students have no choice but to take out large loans to finance their education. To help families and students prepare for the expenses of a college career or vocational training, I will:Extend the First State, First Steps program—which provides matching contributions when parents open DE529 Education Savings Plan accounts for children under 5—and increase the match from $100 to $529Build on the A$PIRE529 pilot project to help a wider set of underserved students (e.g., estranged students) receive a higher education or cover expenses that traditional 529 plans don’tInitiate a “baby bonds” program for children born into low-income families—investing $2,000 on each newborn’s behalf that can be used for higher education or other early-life investments once they turn 18Lowering the Cost of LivingIt’s no secret that the cost of living has skyrocketed the last few years. As an economic and financial analyst, I know that smart, well-timed action by governmental officials can help alleviate rising costs, while poor judgment and poor timing can cause severe unintended consequences. While decisions made on the federal level are the main drivers of inflation, state and local officials can still make a large impact. As Treasurer, I will:Maintain our state’s AAA credit rating, which helps lower our debt payments, allowing more of our state's budget to go toward reducing the cost burden of housing, energy, and other living expenses    Work with the legislature and other government agencies to reduce red tape for families and small business owners trying to save – particularly for individuals with disabilities (through enhancements to the DEPENDABLE plan)    Be a vigilant guardian of our state employees’ healthcare and other benefits while pursuing innovative solutions to contain costsPreparing for Uncertain TimesTariffs, budget cuts, and corporate favoritism from the federal government, mixed with emerging technologies and risk factors such as artificial intelligence and climate change, are rapidly changing America’s financial landscape. This transition presents unique challenges for Delaware's finances—from the risk of job displacement and battered infrastructure affecting tax revenues and capital outlays, to the possibility that today's investments could cool significantly. As Treasurer, I will:Prioritize stress-testing our investments against a range of scenarios, ensuring our rainy-day funds are robust while working with the Governor and General Assembly to diversify our revenue baseRecognize the long-term financial risk of stranded assets and defend the use of environmental, social, and governance considerations in investmentsRefinance and restructure our state’s debt and adjust our investment allocations when opportunities arise, while maintaining healthy liquidity buffersDefending Our StateThe Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have relentlessly attacked the core principles of our democratic system of government, particularly in “blue states” like Delaware. We must fight back and do everything in our power to defend against these attacks, as they are only escalating. As Treasurer, I will stand up to Trump’s rule breaking, and prepare for whatever attacks this (or the next) administration tries to throw our way. Resilience itself is a form of resistance. As Delaware’s next Treasurer, I will:Partner with our Governor, Attorney General, and Insurance Commissioner to fight back against the Trump administrationEnsure that our state stands ready in the face of any future federal funding disruptions, particularly for big-budget items like Medicaid, SNAP, transportation, and educationSteer Delaware’s Digital Government initiative to balance the desires of providing a single, streamlined platform for state services with maximizing the safety and privacy of our residents’ sensitive data—particularly from overreaching requests by the Trump administration— Michael A. Smith's campaign website (September 11, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Michael Smith, and first and foremost, I am the son of two incredible parents who taught me the importance of hard work, a good education, and serving my community. These values started with my great-grandfather, who served as mayor of Olyphant, PA over a century ago. Today, my extended family consists of a long lineage of teachers, medical professionals, and veterans. With their example and a great public school education, I graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in public policy economics.

Improving policy has always been my primary motivator. My first job was as an economic researcher and consultant, studying the energy markets of the mid-Atlantic. That led me to start an environmental non-profit focused on reducing emissions, called Powering Our Future. We help New Castle County residents and businesses electrify their modes of transportation and lawn care tools. While managing the non-profit, I have also filled in as a substitute math teacher, previously in Christina and currently in Red Clay.

However, this run was most inspired by my time as a legislative aide in the Delaware State House. Working in Dover was a fantastic opportunity where I sharpened my knowledge of the legislative process. In addition, I got to learn the ins and outs of constituent service, from filling potholes to upgrading stormwater drainage.

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?

Road safety: Recently, there has been a sharp uptick in the number of deaths on Delaware roads, leading to one of the worst 4-year stretches in Delaware history. On July 8th of last year, I was nearly added to that statistic, as I was T-boned by a driver fleeing a hit-and-run. While I am fortunate to have made a near full recovery, others have not been as lucky. Last year, the Governor appointed me to serve on the Delaware Pedestrian Council in recognition of my advocacy. In that role and as state representative, I will work tirelessly to make sure our families feel safe sending their kids to school and commuting to work.Strengthening our Schools: As someone who grew up in public schools and has worked as a substitute teacher, I've seen firsthand the challenges our education system faces. Delaware's schools are filled with talented, hardworking people, but they're held back by structural issues. As state representative, I'll prioritize three key areas: First, establishing a statewide Pre-Kindergarten program to give all children a strong start. Second, improving educator retention by ensuring competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Third, expanding access to technical education and pre-apprenticeship programs to prepare students for diverse career paths. By investing, we can build a stronger foundation where all students thrive.Protecting Our Rights: As your representative, I'll be a tireless advocate for reproductive, voting, and workers' rights. I'm ardently pro-choice and will work to uphold and strengthen Delaware's codification of reproductive rights, while addressing our high maternal mortality rates. On voting rights, I support a constitutional amendment for no-excuse absentee voting and making Election Day a state holiday to increase accessibility. For workers' rights, I'll oppose so-called 'right-to-work' laws, support fair wages, and expand project labor agreements to ensure just compensation and conditions. I believe these fundamental rights are interconnected and essential to a fair, equitable society.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

To me, the political is personal. As an economist and environmental nonprofit founder, I'm passionate about policies that balance economic growth with sustainability and open space. My background in public education has fueled my commitment to improving our schools. Having experienced a serious car accident, I'm dedicated to enhancing road safety. My family's struggles during previous recessions drive my interest in workers' rights and the cost-of-living. Seeing my loved ones suffer near the end of their lives focuses me on improving long-term care. Being a lifelong animal lover has resolved me to advancing animal welfare. Lastly, I'm committed to protecting individual rights and creating a more equitable society.

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

My first job was during the summer before my junior year of high school. I worked part time as a fry cook for Wendy's to help cover the cost of gas for my other part time role as an intern on a political campaign (this was back in the times when political internships were almost exclusively unpaid). I did both roles for about 10-12 weeks before going back to studying once school started back around.

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

Yes, previous experience in government or politics can be highly beneficial for state legislators. Such experience equips candidates with a deep understanding of legislative processes, constituent needs, and policy impacts, which are crucial for effective governance.

In my case, my background uniquely positions me to serve effectively. As a legislative aide in Dover, I worked directly with state representatives, gaining hands-on experience in addressing constituent issues and navigating complex government systems. This experience, combined with my leadership in founding Powering Our Future and representing New Castle County residents on the Delaware Pedestrian Council, has honed my skills in policy development and community engagement. My roles with various issue organizations and political campaigns further demonstrate my commitment to public service and my ability to drive positive change. This blend of practical experience and leadership makes me well-prepared to represent and advocate for our district effectively.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Boilermakers Local 13

Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1

Carpenters Local 255

Cement Masons and Plasterers Local 592

Elevator Constructors Local 5

IBEW Local 313

Insulators Local 42

Ironworkers Local 451

Laborers Local 199

Operating Engineers Local 542

Pipefitters Local 74

Roofers Local 30

Sheet Metal Workers Local 19

Teamsters Local 326

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