Nat Smith

Nat Smith earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from the William Mitchell College of Law. His career experience includes working as an attorney.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Nat Smith, and I’m running for Senate in SD 33.

My wife, newborn daughter, and our dog Aspen live in Stillwater.

Growing up, I was a painter for my step-dad’s small business starting at age 13 and continuing through high-school and college. I attribute my strong work ethic to those years, teaching me about integrity, discipline, and ensuring the job gets done, no matter what challenges arise.

As the son of geriatric and pediatric doctors, I learned early on about the challenges people face in accessing care. I also saw the fraud, waste, and abuse the healthcare system creates, perhaps most notably for our elderly neighbors. I didn’t go into medicine, but chose to attend law school at William Mitchell after graduating from the University of Minnesota. As an attorney, I have honed my skills in analyzing policies and statutes, creative problem-solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation. I have committed my legal career to combating fraud nationwide and protecting individuals, including whistleblowers and employees. I’ve always worked in small businesses, and have served in both operational and marketing roles during my legal career.

I currently serve on committees for both the City of Stillwater and Washington County.

I’m running to bring a common-sense approach to the legislature and focus on the issues that matter most to working families. People deserve an independent voice willing to do the hard work to solve everyday problems, that’s who I am.

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?

As an attorney who has spent his career combating fraud and protecting whistleblowers and employees, I know firsthand how fraudsters exploit loopholes while working Minnesotans shoulder the tax burden. I’m running to bring that same fight to the State Senate — rooting out waste and fraud in government spending, holding bad actors accountable, and making sure every taxpayer dollar goes where it's actually needed: our schools, our healthcare system, and our public safety services. Accountability, transparency, and results are important to me. As a citizen, I successfully worked to get a bill introduced to help Minnesota combat fraud without additional expense to taxpayers.The cost of living keeps rising while working families get squeezed. I’m focused on affordable, quality healthcare that's there when families need it, increasing access to affordable childcare, and supporting good-paying jobs and small businesses across Minnesota. I believe Minnesotans deserve representation that puts people, not politics, at the center of every decision — someone who will fight for real economic relief instead of protecting the status quo. I am focused on making District 33 a place where families can actually afford to live, work, and thrive.I am committed to safeguarding the St. Croix River Valley and Minnesota's natural resources for future generations. I understand what makes District 33 special — its lakes, parks, and trails, from William O'Brien State Park to the St. Croix itself. I'll advocate for smart environmental policy that protects these resources while supporting the small businesses, farms, and working families who call this region home. Environmental stewardship, including addressing PFAS in our drinking water, should not be a partisan issue, but a responsibility to preserve what makes our community worth fighting for.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and will fight fraud and waste so every dollar goes where it's intended, including toward the public safety services our communities depend on. I care about protecting and expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare, and about ensuring our public schools are well-funded, so every child has a safe place to learn and thrive. Supporting small businesses and creating good jobs across Washington County is essential to a strong local economy, as is increasing the affordability of childcare so working families can get ahead. I also believe in building safe neighborhoods, which means supporting our fire and public safety departments.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Senator Tina Smith, Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund, MAPE, Friends of the Boundary Waters Action Network, DFL Environmental Caucus, The DFL, DFL Senior Caucus, Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA), AFSCME Council 5, Sierra Club North Star Chapter, Minnesota Young DFL, AFLCIO, TEAMSTERS Joint Council 32, SEIU, DFL Rural Caucus, LiUNA! Minnesota

Pro-Choice MN PAC, NASW-MN PACE,Education MN, Care for MN, among others.