Smith Emerges as Unofficial Winner in 3rd District Race

Democrat Raymond Smith, a U.S. Army veteran and former state representative, emerged as the unofficial winner of North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District race after provisional ballots reversed incumbent Republican Greg Murphy’s Election Day lead. Smith received 118,488 votes to Murphy’s 118,195, a margin of 293; Libertarian Daniel Cavender received 3,007. The results remain subject to the state canvass, and Murphy may request a recount because the margin is less than 1%. Murphy congratulated Smith, thanked eastern North Carolina residents for the opportunity to serve, and said he and his family would consider their next steps. In a separate state House race, Democrat Claire Kempner led incumbent Tim Reeder by 226 votes, leaving that contest eligible for a recount as well.