Debbie Smith (Nevada politician)

Debbie Smith (January 14, 1956 – February 21, 2016) was an American politician who served as a member of the Nevada Senate for District 13.

Debbie Smith
Member of the Nevada Senate from the 13th district
In office 2012 – February 21, 2016
Preceded by	Sheila Leslie
Succeeded by	Julia Ratti
President of the National Conference of State Legislatures
In office 2014–2015
Preceded by	Bruce Starr
Succeeded by	Curt Bramble
Member of the Nevada Assembly from the 30th district
In office 2004–2012
Preceded by	Don Gustavson
Succeeded by	Michael Sprinkle
In office 2000–2002
Preceded by	Jan Evans
Succeeded by	Don Gustavson
Personal details
Born	January 14, 1956 Tucson, Arizona
Died	February 21, 2016(2016-02-21) (aged 60) Reno, Nevada
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Greg Smith
Residence	Sparks, Nevada

Career

Smith served on the Lander County School Board. Smith has served as President of the Nevada Parent Teacher Association.^[1] Smith was a retired Benefits Information Representative for the International Union of Operating Engineers.^[2]

Smith had previously served as a member of the Nevada State Assembly from District 30. In the Assembly, Smith served as an Assistant Majority Whip in the 74th and 75th Regular Legislative Session (2007–2009) and Speaker Pro Tempore in the 76th Regular Legislative Session in 2011.^[3]

From 2014 to 2015, she served as president of the National Conference of State Legislatures.^[4]

Personal life

She lived in Sparks, Nevada. Smith died of brain cancer in Reno, Nevada, on February 21, 2016.^[5] Her widower, Greg Smith, would later serve briefly in the seat which she had held.

Electoral history

Nevada State Assembly, Washoe District 30 General Election, 2000^[6]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Debbie Smith	3,990	53.44
	Republican	Keith Primus	3,476	46.55

Nevada State Assembly, Washoe District 30 General Election, 2002^[7]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Debbie Smith	4,596	49.8
	Republican	Don Gustavson	4,632	50.2

Nevada State Assembly, Washoe District 30 General Election, 2004^[8]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Debbie Smith	7,917	59.04
	Republican	Don Gustavson	5,493	40.96

Nevada State Assembly, Washoe District 30 General Election, 2006^[9]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Debbie Smith	7,792	100

Nevada State Assembly, Washoe District 30 General Election, 2008^[10]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Debbie Smith	9,425	65.28
	Republican	Trent Baldwin	4,137	28.65
	Independent American	Ruth Gillins	876	6.07

Nevada State Assembly, Washoe District 30 General Election, 2010^[11]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Debbie Smith	6,540	61.91
	Republican	Kathy Martin	4,024	38.09

Nevada State Senate, District 13 General Election, 2012^[12]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Debbie Smith	25,975	64.73
	Republican	Kathy Martin	14,151	35.27