Photo via the campaign website.

Press release from the Colby Smart campaign:

Colby Smart, an educator, community leader, and lifelong advocate for rural and coastal Northern California, today announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives as an independent.

Born in Lake County and raised in a working-class family, Colby has spent his career serving the public through education. He has resided in Humboldt County for nearly three decades, where he and his wife raised their three children. As Deputy Superintendent at the Humboldt County Office of Education, he has led initiatives in workforce development, global education, curriculum and instruction, and community partnerships that strengthen local economies and opportunities for young people.

Beyond his work in education, Smart has been deeply engaged in community service and civic leadership. He serves on the boards of the College of the Redwoods Foundation, the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of Rotary International. Smart also collaborates with the California Global Education Project to expand opportunities for international learning and exchange, and works with local foundations to promote workforce and global education initiatives.

With California’s 2nd Congressional District newly redrawn under Proposition 50, Smart says the region deserves leadership that listens to everyone. “When maps change, representation should change with them to ensure equal representation,” Smart said. “No community should ever feel ignored or taken for granted.”

Dr. Smart’s campaign priorities include:

  • Revitalizing rural economies through sustainable industries, workforce training, and small-business innovation.
  • Strengthening public education for all students, regardless of ZIP code.
  • Promoting public-private partnerships that create jobs and invest in local prosperity.
  • Protecting natural resources while supporting tourism, agriculture, and responsible growth.
  • Restoring trust in government through accountability, transparency, and service.

“I’m running because District 2 deserves representation that puts people before politics. Northern California needs leadership grounded in service, not party lines — leadership that stands up for every voice and works for the common good.”

About Colby Smart

Colby Smart is an educator, community advocate, and Deputy Superintendent at the Humboldt County Office of Education. A lifelong Californian with deep roots in rural and coastal communities, he has devoted his career to improving schools, supporting small businesses, and strengthening local partnerships. His community service has included leadership roles with the College of the Redwoods Foundation, the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, the Humboldt County Historical Society, and the California Global Education Project. Smart is committed to practical, people-first leadership that brings unity and opportunity to Northern California.

Learn more at www.colbysmart.com.