Mike Smith wants to pass as a moderate. But behind the charm and hometown branding is a deeply conservative legislator who’s quietly voted to restrict abortion access, block LGBTQ+ rights, and even give corporations the right to vote. In a district trending blue, he’s spent years voting red—and hoping no one would notice.
Smith has opposed reproductive freedom, enabled anti-trans extremism, and sided with the NRA over the safety of his own community. And when it comes to defending civil rights, he’s either missing or silent.
Don’t be fooled: Mike Smith isn’t a moderate. He’s Delaware’s most vulnerable anti-equality Republican—and Agenda PAC is here to help make this his last term.
Key Vulnerabilities
Anti-LGBTQ+ Alignment: Smith has positioned himself with his party’s anti-LGBTQ+ agenda. While he cast a token vote to ban the gay/trans “panic defense,” he failed to oppose or condemn extreme anti-trans bills pushed by Delaware Republicans. He has not championed any LGBTQ+ equality measures, making him complicit in efforts to target transgender youth and undermine LGBTQ+ rights . His record and silence on these issues align him with the far-right fringe rather than his moderate district.
Attacks on Reproductive Freedom: Smith has repeatedly sided against reproductive rights. He voted against or dodged multiple bills expanding abortion access – even skipping a 2022 vote on protecting abortion providers to avoid political backlash . He opposed ensuring women aren’t prosecuted for using abortion pills at home and voted NO on requiring colleges to provide emergency contraception access . Smith’s pattern is to obstruct abortion protections unless pressured during an election year (when he cast one isolated pro-choice vote). His anti-choice stance is out of step with Delaware values.
Extremist Tactics & Anti-Democracy Stances: Despite a “moderate” image, Smith has participated in extreme partisan tactics. In 2023, he walked out of the House chamber with fellow Republicans to stall a budget bill funding schools and infrastructure – holding it hostage to demand a radical proposal giving corporations voting rights . He flip-flopped on voting access, initially supporting mail-in voting then voting against it once the GOP base objected . Smith’s willingness to undermine democratic norms and embrace fringe causes (like corporate personhood in elections) exposes a vulnerability in a district that expects responsible governance.
Faux-Moderate Duplicity: Smith cultivates a friendly, bipartisan image in local media and branding, but his voting record tells a different story . He has often abstained or been absent on controversial votes – a tactic to hide his true positions. For example, he and another Republican notably skipped a 2022 vote rather than go on record against a major abortion-rights bill . This evasiveness can be portrayed as dishonest and cowardly to voters. When forced to vote, Smith largely toes the party line on social issues (anti-LGBTQ+, anti-choice, anti-gun safety). His “moderate” reputation is a mirage, providing ample material to expose his hypocrisy and erode trust with moderate constituents.Labor and working families:
Mike Smith is the embodiment of quiet extremism in Delaware politics—a Republican incumbent who hides behind a moderate image while voting against the core freedoms of his constituents.
He has:
A long record of opposing LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and common-sense gun safety.
Refused to speak out as his party pushed anti-trans legislation and election suppression schemes.
Faced a serious challenge in 2024, barely winning by single digits despite incumbency and funding advantages.
Lost ground in a suburban district trending blue, where voters are demanding real accountability—not calculated half-measures.
