[1] Smyth began his career as a Field Representative for the California Republican Party.

Other than Garrett Biggs, who served as on-site manager for the late Assemblyman Nao Takasugi's successful re-election campaign, Smyth was the youngest on-site manager for any state legislative race in California at that time.

Upon winning the election, Knight promoted Smyth to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff.

In 2000, Smyth moved to the private sector to operate his own consulting business.

[1] In 2006, he was elected to the California State Assembly, succeeding Keith Richman who was term limited.