Who is Colton smith?

Every generation faces a defining question: What will you do when your time comes? For me, that time is now.

I was born and raised in a small town in Illinois by a single mom who worked three jobs just to keep the lights on. Growing up, I’ve experienced firsthand the struggle many families face to pay rent, buy insulin, or put food on the table. But I also learned that we don’t get to choose the moment we’re born into — only what we do with it.

I’ve spent my life standing up when things were broken. Starting my high school’s first Gay-Straight Alliance, organizing for reproductive freedom and labor rights in college, walking union lines, knocking on doors in the rain, and working the polls to protect our democracy. I’ve helped elect leaders who fight for working families, served as vice-chair of my county’s Democratic Party, and ran for local office — all before turning 25.

I’m running for State Representative in District 104 because waiting around isn’t an option. Our communities are hurting, and the system is failing us. The cost of living is soaring, wages are stagnant, and political leaders too often sell out the people they’re supposed to serve.

This campaign isn’t about playing it safe or playing the game — it’s about changing the rules. I’m fighting to rebuild the Democratic Party from the ground up and to ensure that the next kid like me doesn’t have to beat the odds just to get a seat at the table.

If you’re ready to fight for a future that belongs to all of us — not just the powerful few — then join me. Because this moment is bigger than any one person. It’s about whether we still believe in the real story of America — the fight.