Sam Smith is a Former Speaker and Representative of the PA House for portions of Jefferson, Indiana, and Armstrong Counties. His election succeeded his father, Eugene Smith, who had represented the district since 1963.

Rep. Smith was known for trying to pass a balanced, on time budget; focusing on priorities like education; and the Castle Doctrine, which reinforced a person's right to defend themselves in the face of an attacker in their own homes.

Rep. Smith has also been credited with helping to pass former Gov. Tom Corbett's $2.4 billion transportation funding plan in 2013.