MEET TRAVIS

Travis Smith isn't just running for office; he's speaking your language. Born into a military family stationed overseas and raised in Cottonwood Heights and Sandy, Travis understands the values, concerns, and aspirations of our community because they're his own. As a lawyer, tech entrepreneur, and father, Travis has worn many hats, but his commitment to serving his family and his neighbors has always remained constant. With a background deeply rooted in service, Travis has made it his mission to understand and uplift those around him. Whether it's navigating the complexities of the legal system or finding innovative solutions in the tech world, Travis knows how to communicate effectively and get things done. With Travis in office, you have a representative who not only speaks your language but also shares your values and is dedicated to serving your community.

TRAVIS' STORY

Travis's family left the military and settled in Cottonwood Heights when Travis was a young child. He enjoyed hiking and skiing in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, participated in sports throughout Sandy and Cottonwood Heights, and grew up attending local congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a competitive swimmer and student at Brighton High, Travis exhibited a natural drive and intensity, qualities that would serve him well throughout his life. His educational journey led him to Brigham Young University, where he immersed himself in academics and competed as a collegiate athlete on the BYU Swimming Team during his freshman year.

After completing a mission for the LDS church in Boston working with the Haitian immigrant community and becoming fluent in Haitian Creole, Travis returned to BYU with a newfound perspective, graduating with a degree in English and completing the LDS Church Education System training program to become an LDS Seminary Teacher (completing a semester of student teaching at Orem Jr. High). After graduating from BYU, Travis returned to Boston

And received his law degree from Boston University and his master's in public health degree from Harvard University. Travis's professional career kicked off in Boston, where he worked as a healthcare lawyer at large Boston law firms helping healthcare providers meet the needs of their patients in a complex business and regulatory environment.

His community service in Boston included pro bono legal representation of immigrants seeking to comply with US immigration requirements, serving on the Board of the Catholic Charities Haitian Multi-Service Center in inner-city Boston, and co-founding a nonprofit to operate a teaching program and medical clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti called Healing Hands for Haiti Foundation.

His love of Utah and entrepreneurial spirit then led him to return home in 2011 to join Utah’s growing technology industry, where he led and founded digital health startups, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship with resilience and determination. While living in Sandy, Travis has served as a member of the Community Advisory Board of Alta View Hospital, as a community representative on the Institutional Review Board at the University of Utah Medical School, and as a tech startup mentor at the Intermountain Healthcare Healthbox Accelerator program.

For the past 10 years, Travis has lived in District 42 with his wife Tillia and a blended family of 8 children, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the issues facing families and businesses in the community.

A DESIRE TO HELP BRING PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS.

Prompted by concern about party-driven extremism in the Utah legislature and a desire to help bring practical solutions, Travis entered the political arena as an independent voice for his community. Travis brings a unique perspective as a person of faith, a father, and an entrepreneur to focus the legislature’s actions on the real needs of our community – protecting families, improving our health system, fighting for a strong economy for all, championing education reform, and saving Little Cottonwood Canyon from the misguided Gondola plan.

TRAVIS’ APPROACH

INDEPENDENCE OVER

PARTY POLITICS

Drawing from his years in the tech industry, Travis recognizes extreme policies from the legislature as an intentional “feature” of dysfunctional party politics rather than unexpected “glitches”. Travis will speak out for the needs and concerns of District 42 as an independent voice not beholden to a party or anyone other than voters. His understanding of the language of technology, governance, family, and faith will enable him to translate complex issues into solutions that truly reflect the will of the community, regardless of traditional political lines or bias.

COMPETITION TO FIX OUR POLICY-MAKING

Working to support and build businesses for nearly 25 years, Travis has seen the power of competition to make free market capitalism work for America. Just as competition forces businesses to deliver products that truly meet their customers’ needs, competition is the only way to drive politicians to deliver policy outcomes that truly reflect the needs and concerns of their communities. Unfortunately, in today’s Utah legislature, the current supermajority faces too little competition, leaving little incentive for them to prioritize real issues affecting everyday Utahns over political gimmicks or extreme measures that restrict our freedoms. Travis aims to change that dynamic. By speaking the language of business, law, family, and faith, Travis seeks to break through barriers hindering progress and to ensure that government serves the people, not just the interests of the powerful few.

BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

Travis believes in the importance and power of resilience and equal opportunity. Despite personal and professional setbacks in his own life, he has overcome challenges to find happiness and success—thanks in large part to family, professional, and community resources that have enabled him to be resilient in the face of difficulties. Travis is committed to creating a better future for every member of our community by building resources and systems that help families and businesses be resilient when there are inevitable challenges. Travis speaks the language of empowerment, emphasizing the need for everyone to have equal opportunities to pursue the American Dream. By celebrating resilience and fostering opportunities, Travis envisions a Utah where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.