DAVENPORT, Iowa – State Senator Roby Smith, R-Davenport, announced that he is running for Iowa State Treasurer, potentially challenging 39-year Democratic incumbent Michael Fitzgerald.
“Our economy, especially banking, is undergoing changes. Iowa needs a Treasurer who understands the challenges of the 21st Century and is willing to protect Iowans from a Biden administration that is determined to invade our financial privacy,” Smith said in a released statement.
Smith was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2010. He represents Iowa Senate District 47 that includes parts of Davenport and Bettendorf. He chairs the Iowa Senate State Government Committee and serves on the Commerce, Rules and Administration, and Ways and Means committees.
Smith touted his effort in the Iowa Senate to make it easier for families to invest and save in Iowa’s 529 college program by extending families’ time period to contribute to their children’s accounts while still receiving the tax benefit.
“Despite a lack of vision from our Treasurer, I led the charge in the Legislature to improve the 529 program for Iowa families,” Smith said. “Our plan made it easier for Iowa’s families to plan for their children’s future.”
He also highlighted his voting record, including his vote for tax reform.
“When I was elected to the Iowa Senate, I promised my constituents I would always show up for them,” Smith continued. “That’s why I have never missed a vote from the floor of the Iowa Senate in eleven years, while helping pass the largest income tax cut for working Iowans in our state’s history.”
After graduating from Concordia University with a degree in Business Administration, Smith worked for nearly a decade as a local banker in the Davenport area before becoming a small business owner and running for the Iowa legislature. Smith is currently an unpaid member of the local U.S. Bank Board and volunteers to teach financial literacy to students through the Junior Achievement program.
“My passion has always been about helping Iowa families achieve their dreams, overcome challenges, and secure their future,” concluded Smith. “That’s exactly where my focus will be as Iowa’s next Treasurer.”
Roby Smith and his wife, Kari, live in Davenport with their four children. The family is active at Trinity Lutheran Church, and he volunteers with area youth sports. Smith also serves on the Scott Community College Foundation Board.
Redistricting placed Smith in the new Iowa Senate District 41 with State Senator Jim Lykam, D-Davenport, if he ran for re-election in 2022. Lykam has not yet announced his 2022 plans.
