Jeannine Bell Smith is a familiar face in Crescent Springs and Kenton County politics, with her involvement in city government dating back nearly a decade.
Smith first ran for Crescent Springs City Council as a write-in candidate in 2018, when she tied fellow write-in candidate Patrick Hackett with 79 votes for the sixth and final seat. Under Kentucky law, the race was decided by a coin toss conducted by then-Kenton County Sheriff Chuck Korzenborn. Hackett won the toss, leaving Smith just short of a seat on council.
Four years later, Smith joined the council after being appointed in 2022 following Mike Daugherty’s move to the mayor’s office. She won election later that year and was reelected in 2024.
Smith spent 30 years as an educator with Kenton County Schools. She has also been active with the Optimist Club of Covington, where she has served as president, secretary and program director. The organization regularly hosts local and regional political figures, including U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie and 2026 Republican congressional nominee Ed Gallrein.
During previous campaigns, Smith has pointed to government transparency, fiscal responsibility and public participation as priorities. She has also advocated on issues involving utility rates, sanitation and road safety.
Smith is now seeking another two-year term on Crescent Springs City Council, which consists of six members elected at-large.
LINK nky contacted Bell Smith with questions about their background, priorities and reasons for seeking office but did not receive a response before publication.