Who's In the Race

At an Oct. 3 Wilson NAACP forum, Raymond Smith discussed protecting Social Security, health care, and affordability, according to The Wilson Times. Smith, the Democratic nominee, faces Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Libertarian Daniel Cavender in North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District on Tuesday, Nov. 3. ​

Murphy, a physician and surgeon who has served since 2019, sits on the Ways and Means, Veterans' Affairs and House Administration committees. Smith, an Army combat veteran, educator and transportation planner, served in the North Carolina House from 2019 to 2023 and on the Wayne County Board of Education. Cavender is a Marine Corps Reserve veteran and fire-protection equipment technician. Smith defeated Allison Jaslow with 56.65% in the March 3 Democratic primary. Murphy ran unopposed.

What They Stand For

Murphy prioritizes affordable health care, agricultural exports and lower farm costs, according to WCTI News 12. He has supported military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while calling for clearer administration explanations. He also supports congressional AI oversight and requiring data-center companies to cover additional infrastructure costs.

Smith advocates reducing grocery, housing, and health care costs, expanding rural health care, and fully funding the Affordable Care Act. He opposes tariffs, citing consumer and agricultural costs, and supports a data-center moratorium, campaign-finance reform, and a ban on congressional stock trading.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show Murphy reported approximately $2.36 million in receipts and $2.7 million in cash on hand through June 30. Smith reported approximately $223,000 in receipts and $74,000 in cash. As of Oct. 8, reported outside spending opposing Murphy totaled approximately $327,000, attributed to AB PAC. Red Wine and Blue spent $126 supporting Smith.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report, Sabato's Crystal Ball and Inside Elections rated the race Solid Republican as of Sept. 25, Sept. 29 and Oct. 2, respectively. On Kalshi, Republican contracts reflected an 82% implied probability as of Oct. 8, compared with 18% for Democrats.

Murphy won approximately 67% in 2022 and 77% in 2024. Democrats and Republicans each won seven North Carolina House seats in 2022. Donald Trump carried North Carolina with approximately 51% in 2024.

Regular voter registration closes at 5 p.m. Oct. 9. Same-day registration is available during early voting, Oct. 15-31. Mail-ballot requests are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 20. Early voting ends at 3 p.m. Oct. 31, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Election Day polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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