Ace Smith, Political Consultant

Averell “Ace” Smith: A legend among California political consultants, the San Francisco-based Smith has handled campaigns for president, governor, senator, local contenders and, perhaps most memorably, his own father. He has crisscrossed the U.S. as a political strategist and a feared practitioner of the art of opposition research – which he describes as “due diligence.” But it is in California that his impact has been most profound. Veteran journalist Carla Marinucci, who has covered dozens of political campaigns, interviewed him in his office. Presented in three parts.

A full transcript of the interview may be found here.

This oral history, recorded February 24, 2023, was made possible by a grant from the California State Library. It has been edited for clarity and continuity.