Challenges Faced by Tina Smith: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Tina Smith. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Tina Smith is a U.S. Senator representing Minnesota, serving since 2018. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, she previously worked as a political consultant and businesswoman. Before entering the Senate, she held positions in Minnesota state government, including serving as the 48th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota from 2015 to 2018.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1998: Managed Ted Mondale's Campaign for Governor

In 1998, Tina Smith managed Ted Mondale's unsuccessful campaign for governor.

2002: Managed Walter Mondale's Senate Campaign

In 2002, Tina Smith managed Walter Mondale's unsuccessful campaign for the United States Senate election in Minnesota after the death of incumbent Senator Paul Wellstone.

March 2018: Letter on Mass Shootings

In March 2018, Tina Smith, along with nine other senators, signed a letter addressed to Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray, who were chair and ranking member of the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. The letter requested that they schedule a hearing to discuss the causes of and potential solutions to mass shootings, particularly in the wake of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

August 2018: Letter to Kirstjen Nielsen Demanding Action on Reuniting Migrant Children

In August 2018, Tina Smith was among 17 senators who signed a letter spearheaded by Kamala Harris to US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. The letter demanded immediate action from the Trump administration to reunite 539 migrant children with their families, emphasizing that each day of inaction intensifies trauma caused by the administration to children and families seeking humanitarian protection.

October 2018: Letter to Mike Pompeo Urging Reversal of Policy on LGBTQ Diplomats' Partners

In October 2018, Tina Smith and 19 other senators signed a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The letter urged him to reverse the rolling back of a policy that granted visas to same-sex partners of LGBTQ diplomats whose unions were not recognized by their home countries. They argued that refusing to let LGBTQ diplomats bring their partners to the US would be equivalent to upholding the discriminatory policies of many countries around the world.

December 2018: Letter to Trump Administration Officials

In December 2018, Tina Smith, along with 41 other senators, signed a letter to Trump administration officials Alex Azar, Seema Verma, and Steve Mnuchin, arguing against the administration's use of Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act. They contended that it would increase healthcare costs and weaken protections for individuals with preexisting conditions. The senators requested the administration withdraw the policy and re-engage with stakeholders, states, and Congress.

2018: Letter to Commissioner of Food and Drugs Scott Gottlieb

During 2018–19 United States federal government shutdown, Smith and 33 other senators signed a letter to Commissioner of Food and Drugs Scott Gottlieb recognizing the efforts of the FDA to address the shutdown's effect on public health and employees

January 2019: Letter to Commissioner of Food and Drugs Scott Gottlieb

In January 2019, during the United States federal government shutdown, Tina Smith and 33 other senators signed a letter to Commissioner of Food and Drugs Scott Gottlieb, recognizing the FDA's efforts to address the shutdown's effect on public health. They expressed alarm that the continued shutdown would have increasingly harmful effects on the agency's employees and the safety and security of the nation's food and medical products.

February 2019: Letter to Insulin Manufacturers

In February 2019, Tina Smith and ten other senators signed a letter to insulin manufacturers Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi, addressing concerns about increased insulin prices that have deprived patients of access to life-saving medications.

May 2019: Speech on Senate Floor About Depression

In May 2019, Tina Smith gave a speech on the Senate floor, sharing her personal experiences with seeking help for depression during college and in her early 30s.

July 2019: Letter Regarding Protection for Families of Active-Duty Service Members

In July 2019, following reports that the Trump administration planned to cease protecting spouses, parents, and children of active-duty service members from deportation, Tina Smith joined 22 senators led by Tammy Duckworth in signing a letter. The letter argued that the protection allowed service members to fight for the United States overseas without worrying about the deportation of their family members. They stated that ending this protection would cause personal hardship for service members and negatively impact their combat performance.

January 6, 2021: Response to Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, during the certification of the Electoral College vote count, Tina Smith condemned the attack on the United States Capitol by Trump supporters, calling them "seditionists" and blaming Trump for inciting the attack. She later supported the certification of the count and called for Trump's removal from office.