Greg Murphy Will Seek Re-election in North Carolina
The representative faces challenger Raymond Smith Jr. in the 3rd District on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Elections
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U.S. Representative Greg Murphy is campaigning for a fifth term representing North Carolina's 3rd District. He will face Democratic challenger Raymond Smith Jr. in the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Why it matters
The election follows a 2025 redistricting process that added Wilson County to the 3rd District, shifting the electoral landscape for local voters. Murphy continues to emphasize healthcare cost reduction and economic development as central components of his platform.
The North Carolina General Assembly finalized the new congressional map in October 2025. This district now includes Wilson County, where early voting will occur between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. from October 15 through October 31, 2026.
The players
Greg Murphy
He is a U.S. Representative and practicing urologist who has served four terms in Congress representing North Carolina's 3rd District.
Raymond Smith Jr.
He is the Democratic challenger seeking to unseat the incumbent representative in the 3rd District race.
North Carolina General Assembly
This is the state legislative body responsible for approving congressional district maps.
The details
Greg Murphy, a urologist based in Greenville with 30 years of medical practice experience, is leveraging his tenure on the Ways and Means Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee. His campaign highlights his ongoing work with the Helsinki Commission while he navigates his first election cycle since Wilson County was incorporated into his district.
Timeline
October 2025: The North Carolina General Assembly approved the new congressional map.
October 15, 2026: Early voting begins in Wilson County at 8 a.m.
October 31, 2026: Early voting concludes in Wilson County at 7:30 p.m.
November 3, 2026: The general election takes place across the district.
Political Context
Opposition leaders and local critics often challenge these redrawn maps, arguing they shift the partisan balance of districts like the 3rd. These disputes frequently center on the balance of representation for counties like Wilson that were moved into new congressional jurisdictions.
Residents in the newly incorporated Wilson County will participate in their first 3rd District congressional vote this cycle. These voters should confirm their specific precinct assignments, as district changes can impact local representation and legislative priorities for the community.
The takeaway
Voters in the 3rd District are navigating a transition period as new county lines change the scope of their representation. The outcome will rely on how well candidates connect their legislative record to the concerns of both legacy and newly added constituents.
What happens next
Early voting for the general election begins in Wilson County on October 15, 2026, followed by Election Day on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Find more updates on the upcoming ballot in our Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Wilson Times News.
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