Shapleigh "Shap" Smith, Jr. (born December 16, 1965) is an American politician who served as the 92nd

Speaker Speaker may refer to: Society and politics * Speaker (politics), the presiding officer in a legislative assembly * Public speaker, one who gives a speech or lecture * A person producing speech: the producer of a given utterance, especially: ** I ...

of the Vermont House of Representatives. In August 2015 Smith announced his candidacy for the 2016 Democratic nomination for

Governor of Vermont The governor of Vermont is the head of government of Vermont. The officeholder is elected in even-numbered years by direct voting for a term of 2 years. Vermont and bordering New Hampshire are the only states to hold gubernatorial elections every ...

. In November he suspended his campaign, citing the need to spend time with his wife after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After his wife's health improved, he considered reentering the gubernatorial race but did not think he could raise the required funds in time, so he entered the race for

Lieutenant Governor of Vermont The lieutenant governor of Vermont is elected for a two-year term and chosen separately from the governor. The Vermont Lieutenant Governor's main responsibilities include acting as governor when the governor is out of state or incapacitated, presi ...

instead. He announced his candidacy in May 2016, and finished second to David Zuckerman in the Democratic primary.

Biography

Smith graduated from the

University of Vermont The University of Vermont (UVM), officially the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College, is a public land-grant research university in Burlington, Vermont. It was founded in 1791 and is among the oldest universities in the United ...

(B.A., 1987), and is a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He also attended the

Indiana University School of Law - Bloomington The Indiana University Maurer School of Law is located on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The school is named after Michael S. "Mickey" Maurer, an Indianapolis businessman and 1967 alumnus who donated $35 million in 2008 ...

(J.D., cum laude, 1991). He is an attorney and shareholder with the law firm of Dinse, Knapp & McAndrew, P.C. in Burlington. Smith, a

Democrat Democrat, Democrats, or Democratic may refer to: Politics *A proponent of democracy, or democratic government; a form of government involving rule by the people. *A member of a Democratic Party: **Democratic Party (United States) (D) **Democratic ...

, was first elected to the Vermont House in 2002. He represented the Lamoille-Washington 1 District, which includes the Towns of Elmore and Morristown in Lamoille County and Woodbury and

Worcester Worcester may refer to: Places United Kingdom * Worcester, England, a city and the county town of Worcestershire in England ** Worcester (UK Parliament constituency), an area represented by a Member of Parliament * Worcester Park, London, Engla ...

in Washington County. Early in his House career he was a member of the Ways & Means and Joint Fiscal Committees. On December 6, 2008, House Democrats, who held a 95–48 majority, nominated Smith to be the next

of the Vermont House. He was elected Speaker on January 8, 2009, and was re-elected on January 5, 2011, January 8, 2013, and January 7, 2015. On August 20, 2015, Smith announced his candidacy for the 2016 Democratic nomination for Governor. In November he withdrew, following his wife's breast cancer diagnosis. Smith indicated in his withdrawal announcement that he was ending his campaign in order to spend more time with his wife during her treatment. Smith announced in May 2016 that he would be a candidate for

, citing his wife's improved health and a desire to continue a career in public service. A few days before the August 9th primary, he earned the endorsement of former Vermont Governor

Howard Dean Howard Brush Dean III (born November 17, 1948) is an American physician, author, lobbyist, and retired politician who served as the 79th governor of Vermont from 1991 to 2003 and chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 2005 to 2009 ...

. Smith finished second in the Democratic primary, losing to Democrat/ Progressive David Zuckerman, who had been endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders.

Personal life

Smith resides in Morristown with his wife, Melissa Volansky, and his two daughters.

References

External links

Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives
{{DEFAULTSORT:Smith, Shap 1965 births Indiana University alumni Living people Politicians from Danbury, Connecticut People from Morristown, Vermont Speakers of the Vermont House of Representatives Democratic Party members of the Vermont House of Representatives University of Vermont alumni Vermont lawyers 21st-century American politicians Candidates in the 2016 United States elections