Smith Discusses Fraud and Affordability During Stillwater Gazette Senate Candidate Forum
On October 6, 2026, Smith attended a District 33 senate candidate forum hosted by the Stillwater Gazette, along with his opponent incumbent Senator Karin Housley. Discussions focused on fraud, affordability, oversight of state programs, taxes, public safety, and community development.
Smith on Fraud
“I combat fraud for a living,” Smith said. “We can expand protections for whistleblowers, close policy loopholes that fraudsters exploit, and have stronger and more effective penalties when fraud does occur.” Smith also noted he worked as a citizen to draft fraud prevention legislation in 2025.
Smith on Affordability
During the forum Smith highlighted affordability issues like housing, health care and childcare costs. He discussed increasing housing supply by reducing “red tape,” supporting first-time buyers with grants or tax credits, lowering prescription drug costs and revisiting insurance prior-authorization rules to reduce premiums. He also wants to consider targeted tax relief.
“There are real things we can do,” Smith said. “Support first-time homeowners, lower prescription drug costs, take on what people are feeling at the grocery store and the gas pump, and reduce childcare costs.”
Read the Stillwater Gazette article here: https://www.hometownsource.com/stillwater_gazette/community/fraud-and-affordability-dominate-first-stillwater-gazette-candidate-forums/article_69b6b827-9a75-4d30-bad5-a3a356f3cb0a.html
Watch the forum here: https://www.youtube.com/live/mrZu9aQdLJ0
Smith Opening Remarks
“Happy to be here. Happy that my wife and I have chosen this community to raise our family. I’m the proud new dad of a 5-month-old baby girl and I look forward to helping build a brighter future for her. My name is Nat Smith and I’m running for state senate here. I’m a first-time candidate and I’m running because I was tired of sitting on the sidelines waiting for change that just never seemed to come. And I wanted to be somebody that was willing to be an independent voice that was going to put people over politics and work to deliver real results for Minnesotans. My work ethic is grounded in my time working for my stepdad’s small business as an interior / exterior painter. I worked on homes around the Twin Cities. Did all that work by hand starting when I was 13. The skills I think we need in the senate are grounded in my legal work combating fraud, not only here in Minnesota, but all across the country. It’s in-depth problem solving, deep dives into statutes and regulations, and bringing people together to get the job done.
And I’m really excited to be running for senate and having the opportunity to serve my community and to pave a brighter future for not only for District 33, but the state of Minnesota.”
Smith Closing Remarks
“Thank you again for having us. I’m thrilled to be a new candidate here and be a change in our voice and representation here for district 33. It’s something I hear a lot about at the doors that people are looking for someone who is willing to be that independent voice, that is willing to put people over politics and is someone that is not going to play the blame game, because I’m tired of it and that’s what I hear about, people are tired of it at the doors. I’m not going to be a rubber stamp for my party or for special interest groups, I’m going to be advocate for the people here in district 33. Thank you to my wife and my daughter for the sacrifices that they are making so that I can be here tonight and so that I can be running this campaign…
We are out there knocking doors. We are out there talking to community members. And I look forward to the opportunity to earn your vote and I hope you’ll vote for me on November 3rd or before.”
