Raymond Smith
Democrat and former state legislator who overtook Greg Murphy in North Carolina's 3rd on provisionals.
Raymond Smith overtook Representative Greg Murphy in North Carolina's 3rd District when provisional ballots broke 1,114 to 602 his way, leaving him 293 votes ahead on the 11 November state file. Murphy had led by 233.
Last refreshed: 11 November 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Can Raymond Smith hold a 293-vote lead through a recount?
Timeline for Raymond Smith
Raymond Smith overtakes Murphy in NC-3
US Midterms 2026Mentioned in: Cooper beats Whatley; Foxx trails by 99
US Midterms 2026Background
Raymond Smith moved in front on the elections board's 11 November 2026 file, 118,488 votes to Greg Murphy's 118,195, a lead of 0.122%. Murphy had been 233 ahead on polling night. Provisionals went to Smith 1,114 to 602. The gap falls inside North Carolina's 1% line, so Murphy can ask for a recount by noon on 17 November.
Smith, known on the ballot as Raymond Smith Jr., was Born in Goldsboro and served in the US Army. He is a former member of the North Carolina House. He won the Democratic primary on 3 March 2026 over Allison Jaslow with about 56.6% of the vote. The 3rd was redrawn for 2026 and now includes Wayne County.
If his lead holds through canvass and any recount, he unseats a Republican who has held the seat since 2019.
Reference
Who is Raymond Smith Jr.?
Will there be a recount between Raymond Smith and Greg Murphy?
Is Raymond Smith winning North Carolina's 3rd District?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 11 November 2026. Editorial standards.