Autumn Smith is a Michigan citizen journalist, community advocate, and lifelong fighter for transparency, accountability, and constitutional rights.
For nearly two decades, Autumn has attended local government meetings, investigated public issues, challenged government actions, and worked to give citizens a voice when they feel unheard.
Her journey into public advocacy began during the 2011 Enbridge oil spill in the Kalamazoo River, where she uncovered questionable liability waivers being presented to impacted residents. Her reporting brought national attention to the issue and contributed to congressional scrutiny, ultimately resulting in the waivers being withdrawn.
In 2011, Autumn became the petitioner for the recall effort against Michigan Speaker of the House Jase Bolger. While many recall efforts were taking place across Michigan, Autumn faced a legal challenge intended to stop her petitioning efforts. Representing herself in court, she successfully defended her constitutional right to petition her government.
Following that experience, Autumn expanded her work into citizen journalism, investigative reporting, and public advocacy. She connected with nationally recognized journalist and author Naomi Wolf and contributed writing to Daily Clout. Her work has been published, cited, featured, and shared by independent and international media outlets.
Autumn has also had the privilege of learning from legendary NYPD whistleblower Frank Serpico, whose commitment to exposing corruption and protecting the public inspired her own pursuit of accountability in government.
For years, Autumn investigated concerns involving local government and law enforcement in Battle Creek. Her reporting and advocacy brought public attention to issues of transparency, leadership, and accountability, resulting in changes within local government and public safety leadership.
Her commitment to accountability has come with significant personal costs. Autumn has faced legal battles, retaliation, and attempts to discredit her work. She has represented herself in multiple courts, including the Michigan Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, defending her constitutional rights and her ability to advocate for the public.
More recently, Autumn helped bring attention to allegations involving former State Representative Jim Haadsma and labor lobbyist Jon Byrd. Her reporting and public advocacy contributed to increased scrutiny, political consequences, and legal action surrounding those allegations.
Beyond journalism and activism, Autumn has served her community in multiple roles. She has testified before legislative committees in Lansing, worked as an Election Inspector, served on a local Zoning Board of Appeals, and in 2024 was elected Chair of the Calhoun County TEA Party Patriots.
Autumn has never pursued this work for financial gain. She has invested her own time, resources, and personal sacrifices because she believes citizens deserve leaders who listen, ask difficult questions, and put the public interest before politics.
After nearly 20 years of standing with citizens at County, City, and Township meetings, Autumn is running to bring that same commitment to public office: