In 1855, Smith was elected to the Senate, representing Grand Bassa County. From 1856 to 1860, he was Secretary of State under President Stephen Allen Benson. In the 1869 presidential election, Smith was elected vice president alongside President Edward James Roye.
Smith's political career started in 1855 when he was chosen to represent Grand Bassa County in the Senate. He then held the position of Secretary of State from 1856 to 1860 under President Stephen Allen Benson, before being elected vice president in the 1869 presidential election alongside President Edward James Roye.