ABOUT

Senator Kandie D. Smith proudly represents North Carolina’s 5th Senate District, which includes communities in Edgecombe and Pitt Counties. She began her legislative career in the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2018, serving two terms before being elected to the North Carolina Senate in 2022.

Senator Smith’s commitment to public service began at the local level in Greenville, where she was first elected to the City Council in 2009. She later made history as Greenville’s first Black woman Mayor. During her tenure in municipal leadership, she played a key role in securing more than $10 million in grants and a zero-percent interest loan to fund critical infrastructure improvements. Her longstanding focus on affordable housing and local economic development continues to shape her work at the state level.

Currently serving as Chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, Senator Smith works collaboratively with colleagues across both chambers to advance equity and ensure fair representation for communities statewide. In her first term in the Senate, she also served as Second Vice Chair of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, reflecting her ability to build bridges and advocate effectively for women and families. Most recently, she helped secure more than $175 million in state funding for Edgecombe and Pitt Counties in the 2024 budget year.

A proud graduate of Charleston Southern University, Senator Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Communications in 1991. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., having pledged the Greenville (NC) Alumnae Chapter in Spring 2005. She currently serves as Social Action Co-Chair for her chapter, leading efforts focused on civic education, empowerment, and community engagement.

Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Senator Smith was raised in New Prospect AME Zion Church, where she developed many of the values that continue to guide her life and service. She is currently a member of York Memorial AME Zion Church in Greenville, North Carolina, where she has served as a Steward, Trustee, and now as a District Trustee. Deeply committed to youth development, she draws from her own experiences growing up in the AME Zion Church to encourage and support young people in learning about Christ and becoming engaged citizens.

Senator Smith is widely recognized for her authenticity, her ability to connect with people, and her tireless advocacy on behalf of the communities she serves