SHIRLEY SMITH
Candidate for Cuyahoga County Council District 11
Beachwood Euclid Lyndhurst Highland Heights Richmond Heights South Euclid
FORMER STATE SENATOR SHIRLEY SMITH
Leadership you can TRUST
A Message From the Candidate
The upcoming Primary Election is May 5, 2026, and a pivotal moment for Cuyahoga County. The choices you make will shape our future, and I believe we need a leader who truly understands the challenges we face—from access to quality health and human services to fostering strong economic growth. I am ready to be that leader for you and your family.
Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to meaningful causes that directly benefit our community. I have launched programs to provide safe housing for homeless children, worked to improve conditions within our prison system, partnered with reentry organizations to help individuals rebuild their lives, and advocated in the Ohio legislature for higher professional standards in the beauty and barber industries. As a small business owner and active supporter of local schools, I am passionate about inspiring our youth and building a more inclusive county for everyone.
Experienced Leadership
-
FORMER STATE SENATOR
-
FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE
-
Appointed by the Governor to the Ohio Parole Board
-
Educator for Local School System
-
Small Business Owner
-
Registered Ohio Lobbyist
-
Established 'Home Away From Home' for Homeless Girls
-
Established statewide Metastatic Breast Cancer Day. Enacted into Law: The thirteenth day of October designated as "Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day"
-
Community Advocate for Prison Reform and Re-Entry
Shirley Smith's commitment to public service extends well beyond politics. She has spearheaded initiatives to support homeless, underserved, trafficked, and abused girls, improved prison conditions, collaborates with various re-entry organizations, and advocates for higher standards in the beauty and barber professions. Her dedication to teaching special needs and elementary school students showcases her passion for creating a more inclusive and vibrant community for everyone.
My Reasons For Running
Property Taxes
To partner with the state of Ohio to create a fair and effective property tax policy that benefits all residents.
Improve County Jails
To utilize my experience and knowledge from the Parole Board and the Chair of the Prison Correctional Inspection Committee to improve conditions, in our jail... focusing on dignity rehabilitation and community.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
To develop and implement comprehensive policies to address the challenges of metastatic breast cancer, supporting patients and families across Cuyahoga County.
Provide Hope & Safety for Girls
Expand my initiative to provide safe housing and support for homeless, abused, trafficked, and underserved girls, giving them hope and opportunities.
Artificial Intelligence
Promote innovative solutions for artificial intelligence to prepare our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow and drive Cuyahoga County's economic growth.
Our Special Needs Children
Champion strong preventive protection for autistic and the mentally challenged population, ensuring their safety and shielding them from violence.
MAY 05 2026
VOTE
Elect Former State Senator Shirley Smith
for Cuyahoga County Council - District 11
This election on May 5, 2026 is your chance to shape the future of Cuyahoga County. The stakes are high, and our community deserves a leader who truly understands our most pressing challenges-from health and human services to economic growth. Former State Senator Shirley is that leader. She combines proven experience, compassion, and vision to move our county forward.
Proven Experience & Compassionate Advocacy
Shirley Smith's years of service in the Ohio legislature and her tireless advocacy for those who need it most set her apart. She has championed the rights of underserved and under privileged children, fought for overburdened taxpayers, and stood up for the autistic and mental health communities. Her commitment to advancing women's health research-specifically metastatic breast cancer-shows her ability to tackle difficult issues head-on and make informed, impactful decisions for the people of Cuyahoga County.
Innovative Solutions for the Workforce
Shirley Smith knows that the future of Cuyahoga County depends on innovation and adaptability. She recognizes the urgent challenges posed by artificial intelligence and is ready to lead efforts to retrain our workforce. By redefining roles and fostering new opportunities, she will help residents thrive in an evolving economy-creating new careers and empowering future leaders.
Beachwood
Euclid
Highland Heights
Lyndhurst
Richmond Heights
South Euclid
VOTE
VOTE
Now is the time to request your
Mail - In Ballot Application.
For more information, call:
The Cuyahoga County Elections Board
(216) 443-3200
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
Calendar
April 6: Voter Registration Deadline
April 7: Start of Early Voting
April 28: Deadline to Request Mail-in Ballot
PRIMARY ELECTION MAY 5, 2026