William ‘Will’ C. Smith Jr.

State Senator – Dist. 20
Maryland Senate

Focusing on a platform including equity in education, expanding economic opportunities and defending the right to vote, William “Will” C. Smith, Jr. was elected state senator for District 20 (Montgomery County) in 2016. He has served as chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee since 2020.

Born in Silver Spring, he holds a Juris Doctor from the College of William & Mary Law School and earned two master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University and National Intelligence University, respectively. Before his election to the senate, Smith was a member of the House of Delegates representing District 20 for two years. He is a direct commission officer with the U.S. Navy Reserve and is of counsel at Solomon Law Firm PLLC.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

Without question, my proudest professional accomplishment was getting elected to the Maryland General Assembly. Representing my district and the state at-large in the legislature is a precious privilege and I have loved every moment.

What’s is the most important life lesson you learned?

Power to convene. The greatest power you have as an elected official is the power to convene and the power to be radically inclusive. Be both a reflection of your constituency and a leader of your constituency – Be both a fierce advocate for your community but to also possess the ability to be receptive to different points of view. Don’t take the criticism personally because it will prevent you from taking it seriously.