Smith secures District 3 primary victory, will face Murphy in November
WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Former State Representative Dr. Raymond Smith has emerged as the projected winner in the Democratic primary for North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District, securing 56.6% of the vote with 23,438 votes over opponent Allison Jaslow, according to early results released Tuesday night.
The race drew heightened attention as it marked the first election since lawmakers redrew the state's congressional maps last October, adding Greene, Lenoir, Wayne, and Wilson counties to the district.
Smith, a former educator and combat veteran who previously represented Wayne and Sampson counties in the state legislature, capitalized on his high name recognition and deep community ties.
"Unfortunately, my opponent does not live in the district. She is not from the district and has nothing in common with the district. So being a native son of this district, knowing this district, having served this district, I feel is very important that the right candidate go forward - and the …