Representative David Smith

R

District 18

Hi, I'm David Smith and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 18th District.


representative

News & Announcements

Jul 30, 2025
Recent Posts

Reps Remember George Nigh

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, Jim Grego, R-Wilburton and David Smith, R-Arpelar, issued the following statement today following the death of former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh. Nigh was born in McAlester and graduated from McAlester High School. He later graduated from what is now Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. He later taught social studies at McAlester High School. "George Nigh is absolutely legendary and beloved in our area of the state," said Grego and Smith who share representation of McAlester. "No one cared a bit about his political party. All they knew was he was a fierce advocate for Oklahomans and Oklahoma. He had our best interests at heart and spent a lifetime showing us how to accomplish much through hard work, determination and love of others." Nigh’s decades of service to the state included time in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, multiple terms as lieutenant governor and governor. Nigh served as president of the University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond, and was a constituent of Miller's. "Oklahoma has lost a legend. George Nigh was the very epitome of what it means to be a public servant. He was a relentless champion for our state and had a unique talent for bringing together people from all walks of life. He innately understood that what makes Oklahoma special is the people who call this state home. During his time in public office and as president of the University of Central Oklahoma, he fiercely told Oklahoma's story. He built UCO into the powerhouse institution it is today, and the university and surrounding Edmond community blossomed during his time at the helm. His mentorship will be greatly missed, and we will keep his family in our prayers."

Jun 11, 2025
Recent Posts

Smith Honored as Representative of the Year by Veterans Council

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, in May was honored as Representative of the Year by the Oklahoma Veterans Council. Smith serves as chair of the House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and is himself a veteran after serving in the Army where he specialized in military intelligence. He's also a member of the Legislative Veterans Caucus. It was after speaking to a Joint Session of the Legislature on Veterans Awareness Day, May 12, that he was surprised with being named Representative of the Year by the Veterans Council and awarded the council's majestic eagle statue. "I was totally shocked by this honor," Smith said. "It's my heart to serve the interest of our veterans here in the state Legislature. I respect their service and their sacrifices and those that their families make in order for them to serve. So many others in our Legislature have served in the military as well, so it was quite humbling to receive this award and recognition. I'm very grateful." The Oklahoma Veterans Council’s mission is to represent all Oklahoma veterans and their families, advocating at the federal and state level on behalf of those who have served. There are currently 275,000 military veterans who make their home in Oklahoma. 

Jan 10, 2025
Recent Posts

Smith Bill Would Give Rural Firefighters Clothing Allowance

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, has filed the "Rural Volunteer Firefighter Clothing Allowance Grants Act." House Bill 1078 is eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3. "Rural volunteer firefighters work at their own expense to keep their friends and neighbors safe from the devastating effects of fire," Smith said. "They are the first-line of defense in protecting lives, homes and businesses. This clothing allowance will help alleviate some of their personal cost and could help incentivize recruitment and retainment." Smith last fall held an interim study to examine issues surrounding recruiting and retaining volunteer rural firefighters. The idea for the legislation came from the study. HB1078 would create a revolving fund in the state treasury to be administered by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry for the benefit of rural volunteer firefighters. The fund would consist of all monies received by the department from legislative appropriations, donations, grants or other sources of funding specifically designated for this purpose. The fund would be continuing and not limited to fiscal year limitations. The Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture would be charged with developing procedures for the disbursement of the clothing allowance to reimburse eligible applicants for approved purchases and to maintain oversight of the grant awards. To be eligible, an applicant must be a member of a certified Oklahoma fire department, must have responded to at least 75% of the fire department responses during the fiscal year, and must have completed 24 hours of firefighter training during the fiscal year. The applicant's fire chief would certify requirements have been met, and disbursements will be made by the last business day in September each year. If signed into law, the act would become effective Nov. 1.