Tony Smith
Former firefighter with Tampa Fire Rescue and emergency medical technician with Hillsborough County Public Schools. He ran for Plant City Commission in 2026, losing a May 26 runoff 53-47 percent. No campaign website or issue statements were found.
Campaign finance: state and county candidates file with the Florida Division of Elections or the county Supervisor of Elections. Search contributions ↗
Sources last checked 2026-09-30. Report an error ↗
Positions on the major issues
Compare with opponents →Each entry describes what the candidate has said or done, and what they say they will do, in neutral terms with sources. The chip shows how that relates to the statement voters rate in the matching tool.
Housing affordability Leans agree· stated position
Smith listed access to affordable housing among the everyday costs he would address for working families.
Health care Strongly agrees· stated position
Smith said Florida should expand Medicaid, with a focus on preventive care, reducing fraud and stronger drug and insurance negotiations.
"At this time, I believe we should expand Medicaid."
Growth & development Leans agree· stated position
Smith's District 68 campaign site lists 'managing responsible growth' among four priorities, saying development should be matched with roads, schools, utilities and infrastructure before new expansion is approved.
"ensuring development is matched with the roads, schools, utilities, and infrastructure our communities need before approving new expansion"
Crime & policing Leans agree· stated position
His site lists public safety as a priority, saying he would support first responders, invest in crime prevention and stand behind law enforcement and firefighters. He does not address criminal penalties or sentencing.
"Keeping our communities safe by supporting first responders, investing in crime prevention, and standing behind law enforcement and firefighters."
Energy & utilities Strongly agrees· stated position
Smith said he would start with stronger regulation of TECO's pricing practices, is open to bringing in additional energy companies to increase competition, and would explore solar and wind power, especially for public buildings.
"I would begin with stronger regulation of TECO's pricing practices."
No public position found on 13 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Taxes & spending, Property taxes, Property insurance, Immigration, Abortion, Guns, Education & school choice, Environment & water, Marijuana, Elections & voting, Gender identity laws, Trump administration, Veterans. This is reported as unknown rather than guessed from party affiliation; these issues are excluded from this candidate's match score.
Other issues this candidate has raised
- Affordability and infrastructure — The other two priorities on his site are lowering costs for working families and supporting small businesses, and improving transportation and addressing flooding in District 68.
- Did not answer the League of Women Voters questionnaire — The VOTE411 guide for State Representative 68 lists Smith's website and Facebook page and records 'Candidate has not yet responded' for all seven questions.
- Flock cameras and a reading program — Smith called for responsible oversight of Flock cameras alongside fully funded police and fire services, and said he would use a $1 million appropriation to create a 'Level Up' program providing tutoring for elementary students reading below grade level.
Record: votes, actions and documented facts
- Ran for Plant City Commission Group 3 in 2026 and lost the May 26 runoff to Karen Kerr, 53% to 47%.
- Serves on the City of Plant City Board of Adjustment and founded M.A.T.E.S., a community wellness initiative, in 2018.