Smith, Adam

Adam Smith represents Washington's 9th Congressional District, which includes parts of South Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. Born in 1965 and raised in SeaTac, he worked his way through Fordham University by loading trucks for UPS before earning his law degree from the University of Washington. Before entering federal office, he served as a prosecutor for the City of Seattle and a judge pro tempore. At age 25, he was elected to the Washington State Senate, becoming the youngest state senator in the country at the time.

In Congress, Smith is a prominent leader on defense and national security issues. He currently serves as the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee and previously served as its Chairman from 2019 to 2023. In these roles, he oversees the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and advocates for military personnel, veterans, and efficient Pentagon spending. His legislative priorities also include behavioral health, education, and workforce training, as seen in his sponsorship of the Behavioral Health Crisis Care Centers Act and the CHARGE Act of 2025.

Smith is a member of both the New Democrat Coalition and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, reflecting a legislative approach often described as moderate and pragmatic. Beyond his committee work, he has been a vocal supporter of international diplomacy and global poverty reduction. He is currently the dean of Washington's House delegation, making him the longest-serving member of the state's current representatives.