NC-03 Democratic nominee?
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
Age64 years old (Oct 15, 1961)
GenderMale
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LocationNorth Carolina
BackgroundState legislator
EducationNorth Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (BA)
Notable personal detailsRaymond Edward Smith Jr. is a Democratic former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives (District 21, 2019–2023). He is a U.S. Army veteran and has worked as a teacher and football coach, transportation planner, and in local/state government. He has also served as an at-large member of the Wayne County Board of Education and is a candidate for the U.S. House in North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District in 2026.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Raymond Smith Jr. emphasizes affordability for working families, supports measures to raise pay for school employees, and has sponsored legislation expanding healthcare access and funding priorities that align with progressive economic policies. His campaign materials prioritize lowering costs for families, investing in education, and economic opportunity for Eastern North Carolina. Specific public statements or bills seeking higher taxes on upper-income households or corporate tax increases were not found in the reviewed sources.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to healthcare in rural communities and prioritizes quality, affordable care for working families, seniors, and veterans. Has a legislative background on health-related appropriations and says he led efforts to expand rural health access while in the North Carolina General Assembly.
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Climate & Energy
Supports attracting renewable energy industries and infrastructure investments and has received favorable climate policy ratings, indicating support for moderate clean-energy policies and climate action while allowing transitional approaches.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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