Smith has worked in sales and marketing, and as a radio talk-show host for a major radio station in Cleveland, and has also served as an independent consultant for Coca-Cola Bottling Company. When incumbent C. J. Prentiss decided to run for the Ohio Senate, Smith and four other Democrats sought to replace her in the 1998 primary election. Smith won the District 8 nomination with 35.29% of the vote. She won the general election against Republican Dominic Rini with 86.15% of the vote. Smith won reelection in District 8 in 2000 against Republican Ronnie Jones with 87.2% of the vote. In 2002, Smith again faced a primary challenge from four other Democrats, due to redistricting. However she won the District 10 nomination with 43.66% of the vote. She went unopposed in the general election and was unopposed for the 2004 general election. For the 126th General Assembly, Smith served as secretary of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus.
Ohio Senate
In late 2005, Smith announced that she would run to succeed term-limited Prentiss in the Senate, along with Representatives Annie L. Key, Claudette Woodard and two other Democrats. While it was a contested primary, Smith defeated the opposition to take the District 21 nomination with 50.86% of the votes. She won the general election with 85.34% of the electorate. In the 127th General Assembly, Smith served as president of the OLBC. Early in 2008, the Senate Democrats ousted Minority LeaderTeresa Fedor and replaced her with Ray Miller, as well as Smith as assistant minority leader. With the beginning of the 128th General Assembly, the caucus retained Smith in her role as assistant minority leader under Capri Cafaro. In 2010, Smith won election to a second term in the Senate, defeating Republican Burrell Jackson with 84.4% of the vote. Smith resigned a month prior to the end of her term.
Electoral history
Year
Democrat
Votes
Pct
Republican
Votes
Pct
2004
Shirley Smith
26.174
100.00%
Unopposed
2002
Shirley Smith
14,908
100.00%
Unopposed
2000
Shirley Smith
26,947
87.20%
Ronnie Jones
3,959
12.80%
1998
Shirley Smith
18,969
86.15%
Dominic Rini
3,049
13.85%
Personal life
Smith is divorced with two children. She lives in Cleveland, but also owns property in South Euclid, Ohio.
