Laura Smith (American politician)
Laura Smith | |
|---|---|
| The Honorable | |
| Member of the Montana House of Representatives from the 79th district | |
| Assumed office January 2, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Farris-Olsen |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mac |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Utah, University of Pennsylvania |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Laura Smith is an American politician who served as a member of the Montana House of Representatives from January 2, 2023 to January 25, 2025. She represented Montana's 79th House district.[1]
Electoral History and Controversy
[edit]She was elected on November 8, 2022, in the 2022 Montana House of Representatives election against Republican opponent Keith Pigman. She assumed office on January 2, 2023. On January 23, she uploaded a video to TikTok where she appeared to copy the same gesture used by Elon Musk several days prior, being interpreted by many as a Nazi salute.[2][3] Due to online backlash, she was forced to resign, with an official confirmation being posted to Facebook two days later.[4][5]
Biography
[edit]Smith earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in 2004 and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009. She has worked as an attorney in the United States District Court for the District of Montana. She has also been deputy director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "Meet Laura". Laura Smith Senate. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
- ^ Roth, Fallon (2025-01-25). "A Montgomery County official mimicked Elon Musk's controversial 'salute,' sparking outrage online and her resignation from the local library and a nonprofit". https://www.inquirer.com. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
{{cite web}}: External link in|website= - ^ Reporter, Sophie Clark Live News (2025-01-27). "Pennsylvania county official resigns over apparent "Nazi salute"". Newsweek. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ "Supervisor Laura Smith Issued her Resignation".
- ^ "Laura Smith (Montana)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
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