Kentucky Senator Brandon Smith — now the second most senior member of the Kentucky Senate — says he’s running for re-election with the same drive that first took him into public office more than 30 years ago.
Smith was just 23 when he was first elected as a City Commissioner in Hazard in 1993. That opportunity, he says, came unexpectedly — after he showed up at a city meeting to ask about cardboard recycling. “One thing led to another,” he recalls. Soon after, he helped create the first recycling center east of Winchester and pushed for some of the toughest anti-litter laws in the region. Within five years, major Fortune 500 companies were investing in Hazard.
He carried that same energy into the state legislature, joining the Senate in 2007. Since then, his legislative record has touched broad issues — from environmental policy to disaster relief, criminal justice, and infrastructure.
“I take a tough vote and I’m willing to debate it,” Smith said. “I will do what I say I will do, even if it’s a tough vote.”
Among the bills he’s helped sponsor:
• House Bill 544 — created the SAFE disaster relief fund and doubled the funding cap to $100 million over two years.
• Senate Bill 89 — redefined “waters of the Commonwealth” to protect Kentucky’s natural resources.
• Senate Bill 150 — the “permitless carry” bill allowing lawful gun owners 21 and older to carry without a license.
• Senate Bill 100 — updated solar energy regulations to allow the Public Service Commission to set credit rates.
• SB 63 & SB 67 — addressing correctional facilities and street-legal special purpose vehicles.
Smith says his drive to remain in office comes from seeing how long it takes for government to act — particularly when communities are in urgent need.
“Government doesn’t work at the speed of necessity,” he said. “That’s why I’m running again. We have too many critical projects underway. Too much is at stake.”
Despite District 30 that is now larger than a typical congressional district, Smith still maintains a hands-on approach. For example, he often brings judge-executives and mayors to Frankfort during budget season to help secure funding for their communities.
Housing and healthcare remain at the top of his agenda. Smith has worked with the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky on housing initiatives, and he’s secured movement toward both a VA Medical Facility and a Hospice Center for his district.
“Our bones are our schools, colleges, and hospitals,” Smith said.
“There are no jobs without an educated workforce or needed medical care. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel — I’m trying to make sure it turns.”
Smith said he declined the opportunity to seek Congressman Hal Rogers’ seat, believing he could do more for Eastern Kentucky by continuing the work he has already started.
“If I went to Washington, I’d have to start at the back of the line,” he said. “Right now, I’m in a position to fight — and win — for our region.”
With infrastructure improving, federal dollars flowing, and new energy policies opening doors in Eastern Kentucky, Smith says the job is far from finished.
“I’ve traded personal moments for the Commonwealth,” he said. “My time here has helped make us a cleaner, stronger Kentucky — and I will work harder than ever to make sure we don’t lose what we’ve built.”
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