CandidateDemocratic

Raymond Smith

U.S. House District 3

2026 North Carolina U.S. House — District 3 — General Election · November 3, 2026

Published evidence-backed profile

Current North Carolina general-election candidacy and all displayed profile fields retain exact source evidence. The State Board says its candidate list is not final, so official withdrawals, replacements, disqualifications, and court-ordered changes remain monitored.

Last reviewed September 23, 2026

Overview

Current race
2026 North Carolina U.S. House — District 3 — General Election on November 3, 2026
Official candidacy
U.S. House District 3 · Democratic · Candidate
VerifiedOfficial records: North Carolina State Board of Elections
Identity match
Identity verified in official records

Policy statements from campaign-controlled sources are labeled candidate positions; they are not independently presented as proven outcomes.

View exact official filing textExact evidence retained

The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.

Election date: 11/03/2026

Contest: US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 03

Candidate: Raymond Smith

Party: DEM

Candidacy date: 12/15/2025

Campaign email: [email protected]

Official and campaign contacts

Only contact details published in official filing records, FEC filings, or a verified candidate-owned source with retained exact evidence appear here.

Verified candidate website

Verified

Verified candidate website ↗

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Election date: 11/03/2026

Contest: US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 03

Candidate: Raymond Smith

Party: DEM

Candidacy date: 12/15/2025

Campaign email: [email protected]

Discovery lead only: live candidate name and current office verification required

Publication here means only that the contact detail appeared in the cited filing. It is not an endorsement, and older filings may remain visible until an amended official record is captured.

Experience

Verified records and candidate-provided claims are labeled separately.

About Dr. Raymond E. Smith, Jr.

Source-published biography

Dr. Raymond E. Smith, Jr. is a former educator, decorated combat veteran, and two-term legislator, representing Wayne and Sampson Counties in the North Carolina General Assembly. Born and raised in Goldsboro, Raymond’s role models in life have been his parents, Raymond Sr. and Thelma. Through the example of his father’s time as a U.S. Marine and his mother’s eighteen years of service as a member of the Wayne County School Board, Raymond learned a strong sense of duty and dedication to his community from an early age.

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Dr. Raymond E. Smith, Jr. is a former educator, decorated combat veteran, and two-term legislator, representing Wayne and Sampson Counties in the North Carolina General Assembly. Born and raised in Goldsboro, Raymond’s role models in life have been his parents, Raymond Sr. and Thelma. Through the example of his father’s time as a U.S. Marine and his mother’s eighteen years of service as a member of the Wayne County School Board, Raymond learned a strong sense of duty and dedication to his community from an early age.

About Dr. Raymond E. Smith, Jr.

Source-published biography

Raymond is a proud graduate of Goldsboro High School and holds three degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management from NC A&T State University, a Masters in Public Administration from NC Central University, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from Fayetteville State University. Those institutions instilled a deep commitment to service, equity, and opportunity in Raymond, and they continue to guide how he approaches public leadership.

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Raymond is a proud graduate of Goldsboro High School and holds three degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management from NC A&T State University, a Masters in Public Administration from NC Central University, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from Fayetteville State University. Those institutions instilled a deep commitment to service, equity, and opportunity in Raymond, and they continue to guide how he approaches public leadership.

About Dr. Raymond E. Smith, Jr.

Source-published biography

Prior to serving in the General Assembly, Raymond served his community as an educator and football coach, and made history as the first African American at-large member on the Wayne County Board of Education, where he also served as vice chairman. A decorated Gulf War combat veteran and former military policeman, Raymond served his country in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, a record of service he continues today.

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Prior to serving in the General Assembly, Raymond served his community as an educator and football coach, and made history as the first African American at-large member on the Wayne County Board of Education, where he also served as vice chairman. A decorated Gulf War combat veteran and former military policeman, Raymond served his country in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, a record of service he continues today.

About Dr. Raymond E. Smith, Jr.

Source-published biography

In 2016, Raymond was elected to the At-Large seat on the Wayne County Board of Education, becoming the first African American member to hold the At-Large seat. Serving as Vice Chairman of the Board, Raymond pushed to prioritize the well-being of the district’s children, leading the fight against overcrowding in the county’s schools.

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In 2016, Raymond was elected to the At-Large seat on the Wayne County Board of Education, becoming the first African American member to hold the At-Large seat. Serving as Vice Chairman of the Board, Raymond pushed to prioritize the well-being of the district’s children, leading the fight against overcrowding in the county’s schools.

About Dr. Raymond E. Smith, Jr.

Source-published biography

While in the state legislature, Raymond served on committees focusing on Education, Local Government, Finance, Military & Veterans Affairs, Appropriations, and Transportation. During his two terms, he proudly introduced legislation to invest in public education, revitalize communities in Eastern North Carolina, and to expand Medicaid to more than 600,000 North Carolinians who are now able to receive care.

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While in the state legislature, Raymond served on committees focusing on Education, Local Government, Finance, Military & Veterans Affairs, Appropriations, and Transportation. During his two terms, he proudly introduced legislation to invest in public education, revitalize communities in Eastern North Carolina, and to expand Medicaid to more than 600,000 North Carolinians who are now able to receive care.

About Dr. Raymond E. Smith, Jr.

Source-published biography

Raymond resides in Goldsboro with his wife, Dr. Cortrina Smith, their three sons, Christopher, Myles, and Maxwell, and two daughters, Tracy and Ashley. He is an active community leader, serving as a Trustee at St. James AME Zion Church and participating in organizations like the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Prince Hall Affiliated Free and Accepted Masons.

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Raymond resides in Goldsboro with his wife, Dr. Cortrina Smith, their three sons, Christopher, Myles, and Maxwell, and two daughters, Tracy and Ashley. He is an active community leader, serving as a Trustee at St. James AME Zion Church and participating in organizations like the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Prince Hall Affiliated Free and Accepted Masons.

Raymond Smith has always served Eastern North Carolina.

Candidate-stated

Born and raised in Goldsboro

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Born and raised in Goldsboro

Positions and priorities

A position shows what the candidate said—not FactVote's endorsement.

Each summary is supported by the candidate's own words from a campaign source, direct candidate response, or official primary record retained with the profile.

Fighting Corruption and Promoting Good Government

Candidate position

Right now, it seems like everything in Congress is controlled by billionaires, lobbyists, and special interest groups. Members of Congress are sitting in their office trading stocks instead of delivering for constituents, and places like Eastern North Carolina are suffering because of it. It’s time that we push major campaign finance reform, bring an end to Citizens United, and ban stock trading from members of Congress. We must fight corruption from both parties in all forms.

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Right now, it seems like everything in Congress is controlled by billionaires, lobbyists, and special interest groups. Members of Congress are sitting in their office trading stocks instead of delivering for constituents, and places like Eastern North Carolina are suffering because of it. It’s time that we push major campaign finance reform, bring an end to Citizens United, and ban stock trading from members of Congress. We must fight corruption from both parties in all forms.

Lower Costs for Working Families

Candidate position

The cost of living has gotten out of control while politicians in DC focus on lining the pockets of their billionaire donors. Eastern North Carolina families know about hard work and should be able to afford groceries, housing, and healthcare without sacrificing the basics. In Congress, Raymond will focus on lowering the cost of necessities and raising the standard of living for all North Carolinians. By focusing on affordability, job creation, and infrastructure we can build a better future for all our neighbors.

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The cost of living has gotten out of control while politicians in DC focus on lining the pockets of their billionaire donors. Eastern North Carolina families know about hard work and should be able to afford groceries, housing, and healthcare without sacrificing the basics. In Congress, Raymond will focus on lowering the cost of necessities and raising the standard of living for all North Carolinians. By focusing on affordability, job creation, and infrastructure we can build a better future for all our neighbors.

Quality, Accessible Healthcare

Candidate position

In Congress, Raymond will work to build a healthcare system that brings down costs, expands access, and makes quality care affordable for more people. As a State Representative, he worked across the aisle to reform the healthcare system to focus on patients over profits. Eastern North Carolina deserves a member of Congress who will expand healthcare access in rural areas while keeping care affordable.

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In Congress, Raymond will work to build a healthcare system that brings down costs, expands access, and makes quality care affordable for more people. As a State Representative, he worked across the aisle to reform the healthcare system to focus on patients over profits. Eastern North Carolina deserves a member of Congress who will expand healthcare access in rural areas while keeping care affordable.

Infrastructure for the 21st Century

Candidate position

For too long Eastern North Carolina’s infrastructure has been an afterthought to politicians in D.C. Raymond will fight for our fair share of project funding and investment. We deserve access to modern infrastructure that can move our economy forward, such as broadband internet access, as well as major investments in floodwater resilience and prevention.

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For too long Eastern North Carolina’s infrastructure has been an afterthought to politicians in D.C. Raymond will fight for our fair share of project funding and investment. We deserve access to modern infrastructure that can move our economy forward, such as broadband internet access, as well as major investments in floodwater resilience and prevention.

Protecting our Veterans and Military Families

Candidate position

As a combat veteran, Raymond knows first-hand the struggles of returning to civilian life after serving our country. In Congress, he will work across the aisle to ensure America’s veterans and soldiers get the benefits and respect they deserve. By improving the VA, expanding childcare access for the families of service members, and addressing the base housing crisis, we can ensure that we can protect those who risked their lives to protect our country.

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As a combat veteran, Raymond knows first-hand the struggles of returning to civilian life after serving our country. In Congress, he will work across the aisle to ensure America’s veterans and soldiers get the benefits and respect they deserve. By improving the VA, expanding childcare access for the families of service members, and addressing the base housing crisis, we can ensure that we can protect those who risked their lives to protect our country.

Strong Public Education

Candidate position

Quality public education is the best investment we can make in the next generation, and in Congress, Raymond will fight to protect the fundamental right to a sound, basic education. His experience as an educator and a member of the Wayne County Board of Education showed him the importance of local control of schools, but the federal government still plays a critical role in general funding, special education, and protecting civil rights.

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Quality public education is the best investment we can make in the next generation, and in Congress, Raymond will fight to protect the fundamental right to a sound, basic education. His experience as an educator and a member of the Wayne County Board of Education showed him the importance of local control of schools, but the federal government still plays a critical role in general funding, special education, and protecting civil rights.

Dr. Raymond Smith’s platform for NC-03

Candidate position
Goal / Priority

Fighting Corruption and Promoting Good Government

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The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.

Fighting Corruption and Promoting Good Government

Infrastructure for the 21st Century

Candidate position
Goal / Priority

Protecting our Veterans and Military Families

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Protecting our Veterans and Military Families

Enact Major Campaign-Finance Reform

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Enact major federal campaign-finance reforms.

  • Preserve the explicit reform direction without inventing contribution limits.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

End Citizens United

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Reverse or otherwise end the campaign-finance framework created by Citizens United.

  • Preserve the named objective without inventing a legal path.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Ban Congressional Stock Trading

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Policy

Ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks.

  • Preserve the explicit ethics mechanism.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Lower the Cost of Necessities

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Lower the cost of groceries, housing, health care, and other necessities.

  • Preserve the named household-cost categories.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Create Jobs

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Create more jobs in eastern North Carolina.

  • Preserve the employment outcome without inventing an industry.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Invest in Modern Infrastructure

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Invest in modern infrastructure that supports economic growth.

  • Preserve the investment direction and economic objective.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Bring Down Health-Care Costs

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Bring down health-care costs.

  • Preserve the affordability objective.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Expand Health-Care Access

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Expand access to quality health care.

  • Preserve the access and quality objectives.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Expand Rural Health-Care Access

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Expand access to affordable health care in rural communities.

  • Preserve the rural focus and affordability objective.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Secure Eastern North Carolina's Fair Share of Funding

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Secure a fair share of federal project funding and investment for eastern North Carolina.

  • Preserve the federal funding mechanism and geographic beneficiary.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Expand Broadband Internet Access

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Expand broadband internet access in eastern North Carolina.

  • Preserve the named infrastructure mechanism.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Invest in Floodwater Resilience and Prevention

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Make major investments in floodwater resilience and flood prevention.

  • Preserve the two named infrastructure outcomes.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Improve the Department of Veterans Affairs

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Improve the Department of Veterans Affairs and delivery of veterans benefits.

  • Preserve the named agency and service objective.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Expand Child-Care Access for Military Families

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Expand access to child care for service members' families.

  • Preserve the beneficiary group and access mechanism.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Address the Military Base-Housing Crisis

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Address housing conditions and availability on military bases.

  • Preserve the military-housing objective without inventing standards.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Protect the Right to a Sound Basic Education

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Protect the right to a sound, basic public education.

  • Preserve the rights-based education commitment.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Preserve Local Control of Schools

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Belief

Preserve local control over public schools.

  • Preserve the stated governance principle.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Maintain the Federal Role in General School Funding

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Policy

Maintain federal support for general public-school funding.

  • Preserve the federal funding role described by the candidate.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Maintain Federal Support for Special Education

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Policy

Maintain federal support and protections for special education.

  • Preserve the named federal role.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Protect Civil Rights in Education

Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority

Use the federal role in education to protect students' civil rights.

  • Preserve the civil-rights objective without inventing enforcement rules.
Open cited sourceSource link retained

No verbatim excerpt is retained for this summary. Read the cited source for the original wording.

Raymond Smith campaign

Public record

Public-record research limitation

Public-record research limitation

This does not mean the candidate has no prior public service or record. A record attaches only after authoritative office history and a stable provider identity are established; names, titles, attendance, sponsorship, and inferred responsibility are insufficient.

Campaign finance

Official filings may be amended after publication.

FEC candidate totals January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026.

Total receipts
$223,118.60
Total disbursements
$137,467.46
Cash on hand
$73,710.97
Committee debt
$0.00
Read exact FEC summary textExact evidence retained

The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.

Candidate ID: H6NC03229

Name: SMITH, RAYMOND EDWARD DR. JR.

Office: House

State: NC

District: NC03

Coverage start: 2026-01-01

Coverage end: 2026-06-30

Total receipts: $223118.60

Total disbursements: $137467.46

Cash on hand: $73710.97

Debts owed by committee: $0.00

Candidate contributions: $100.00

Loans made by candidate: $0.00

Open Federal Election Commission record ↗

Sources

Every profile claim points back to retained source evidence.

  1. Election record

    2026 North Carolina candidate filing — Raymond Smith

    North Carolina State Board of Elections

    Open North Carolina State Board of Elections
  2. Candidate-owned primary source

    Raymond Smith — candidate-owned primary source 1

    Raymond Smith campaign

    Open Raymond Smith campaign
  3. Candidate-owned primary source

    Raymond Smith — candidate-owned primary source 2

    Raymond Smith campaign

    Open Raymond Smith campaign

    Link checked September 15, 2026.

  4. Candidate-owned primary source

    Raymond Smith — candidate-owned primary source 3

    Raymond Smith campaign

    Open Raymond Smith campaign
  5. Campaign-finance record

    Raymond Smith — official FEC candidate totals

    Federal Election Commission

    Open Federal Election Commission
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