Randy E. Smith is a member of the West Virginia State Senate, representing District 14. He assumed office in 2017. His current term ends on December 1, 2028. Smith is also the Lieutenant Governor of West Virginia. He assumed office on January 8, 2025. His current term ends on December 1, 2026. The West Virginia State Senate elected Smith president of the Senate on January 8, 2025. In West Virginia, the Senate president also serves as the lieutenant governor. Smith was born in Oakland, Maryland, in 1960. He received his diploma from East Preston High School. Smith worked as a coal mine section foreman for 22 years, followed by a nine-year career in coal mine safety. Smith first entered state politics when he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2012. He defeated incumbent Stanley Shaver 57.5%-42.5%. Smith then won election to the state Senate in 2016, defeating incumbent Robert Williams 53.26%-41.93%. Smith chaired the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee from 2017 to 2024 and the Joint Rule-Making Review Committee from 2023 to 2024. According to West Virginia Watch, Smith described himself as blue collar, working class, and conservative. In an interview with Eyewitness News, Smith said, "I think that's why I probably won the Senate race, because I’m probably more in the center of the conservatives. Don't get me wrong, I’m very conservative." The outlet's Bob Aaron reported, "[Smith] described himself as a social conservative."