Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D.

Candidate for North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District, Decorated Combat Veteran, Educator (K-12 and Higher Ed), former School Board Vice Chairman.

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

Tax relief should not be a political slogan. It should be targeted, fair, and responsible. Homeowners need help, but rural counties also need the ability to keep schools open, roads safe, and emergency services strong.

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

HB1089 is a proposed North Carolina constitutional amendment that would place limits on local property tax increases. The bill passed the House and was ordered enrolled on May 20, 2026. If approved, voters will decide on the amendment on November 3, 2026, with ballot language focused on limiting property tax increases by local governments.

At the same time, North Carolina families are dealing with rising costs for housing, energy, groceries, child care, and health care. Property tax relief matters. But that relief must be meaningful, responsible, and transparent. HB1089 may sound straightforward, but voters deserve to fully understand whether it protects homeowners without undermining funding for schools, public safety, water systems, and other essential local services.

I support protecting homeowners from being taxed out of their homes. But I will always ask the next question: who bears the burden if local communities lose the resources they need to fund schools, firefighters, deputies, roads, and water systems?

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. The VA reports that about 20–25% of veterans suffer from diagnosable mental health conditions. 

This May, we recognize both Mental Health Awareness Month and the sacrifices of our veterans. As a community, we must continue advocating for accessible mental health resources, reduce the stigma around seeking help, and ensure our veterans receive the support and care they deserve. No one who has served our country should struggle in silence. Together, we can build stronger, healthier, and more supportive communities for all.

Awareness alone is not enough,  action matters! For our veterans, support must go beyond words. That means ensuring access to quality healthcare, housing assistance, peer support programs, employment opportunities, and crisis services. It also means listening to veterans’ experiences and standing beside them long after their service ends.

Let’s commit to turning compassion into action by supporting policies and programs that prioritize mental health, investing in community-based resources, and reminding those who are struggling that they are not alone.

If you want to join this campaign to help bring a voice to NC-03, please visit https://t.co/A4f4B2oZrh to learn more about my campaign or stop by the link below to chip in a few dollars to help get us started. We’ll be happy to have you!
#publicservice #easternnc #ncpolitics #nc03 #raymondsmithforcongress

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

Join the Young Democrats of Wayne County and I for an evening with local and state candidates as they share their vision, priorities, and plans for our community.

May 7, 2026 | 5:45 PM | Wayne County Public Library

#ncpolitics #raymondsmithforcongress #easternnc #nc03 #RaymondSmith

[Susan Wilson 💙🇺🇸VOTE🇺🇸💙 @stevesgirl56]

If you are somewhere between distraught and furious that the Supreme Court is trying to limit the number of non White Representatives in Congress, think about how you can help qualified Democrats bring diverse viewpoints into the fight.
Follow Ray Smith running in NC 03.
💙

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

Thankful for the Democratic Women of Sampson County and EJCAN for hosting the Denim, Diamond, & Pearls Spring Fling tonight.

The event brought awareness to important issues, raised funds for DWSC, and most importantly united citizens and Democratic candidates in personal, roundtable sessions to share ideas and concerns. Enjoyable and rewarding!!
Always great to spend time with Donald Edwards for Sherrif, Rev. Thaddeus Godwin for County Commissioner, and Dr Kimberly Hardy for Congress. Follow their page and support their campaigns!!

If you want to join this campaign to help bring a voice to NC-03, please visit https://t.co/A4f4B2oZrh to learn more about my campaign or stop by the link below to chip in a few dollars to help get us started. We’ll be happy to have you!
#publicservice #easternnc #ncpolitics #nc03 #raymondsmithforcongress

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

I’ve stood in the classroom. I’ve seen firsthand what our teachers carry with them every single day: the long hours, the limited resources, and the constant pressure to do more with less.

Later, serving as Vice Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Education, those stories didn’t go away—they followed me into every decision, every conversation.
So when I got to the legislature, it was never just about policy. It was about people. It was about fighting for the promise of Leandro v. State of North Carolina and pushing for real teacher pay raises—because our educators deserve more than words.

At the recent rally in Raleigh, one thing was clear: our teachers are still being stretched too thin.And here in rural eastern North Carolina, our schools don’t have the luxury of waiting.

That’s why I’m running for Congress—to make sure our teachers are supported, our schools are funded, and every child has a fair shot.

But campaigns like this are powered by people not special interests.

If you believe in investing in our teachers, our students, and our future, I’m asking you to stand with me today.

👉https://t.co/RlyRqlKbf5

Every contribution—no matter the size—helps us build a campaign that puts people over politics.

Thank you for believing in this fight.

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

A week ago VA showed us what’s possible: when unfair maps are challenged, the path to taking back Congress gets stronger. Here in NC03, we have the same opportunity to fight for fair representation and real leadership. I’m Dr. Raymond Smith, and I’m asking you to invest in this campaign today so we can help flip NC and put people over politics.

If you want to join this campaign to help bring a voice to NC-03, please visit https://t.co/A4f4B2oZrh to learn more about my campaign or stop by the link below to chip in a few dollars to help get us started. We’ll be happy to have you!
#publicservice #easternnc #ncpolitics #nc03 #raymondsmithforcongress

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

Strong leadership means making decisions based on our community, not following someone else’s lead.

If you want to join this campaign to help bring a voice to NC-03, please visit https://t.co/kVWMphWRjq to learn more about my campaign!

#publicservice #easternnc #nc03

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

In the General Assembly, I led efforts to expand access to rural healthcare, fund public education, and improve our infrastructure. In Washington, D.C. I’ll continue to be a strong, bipartisan voice for people like us.

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

Proud to announce my endorsement from The
Omega Network for Action . This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from my own brotherhood, Omega Psi Phi. Grateful for the support and committed to the work ahead.

Check out the article: https://t.co/vLUT1Oi9DM

[Susan Wilson 💙🇺🇸VOTE🇺🇸💙 @stevesgirl56]

Follow these challenging to flip seats!
NC 03 @RayESmithJr
NC 05 @ChuckHubbardNC
NC 06 @jefferson_cyril
NC 07 @KimberlyHardyNC
NC 08 @ColbyForUSHouse
NC 09 @Ojeda4America
NC 10 @AshleyBNC10
NC 11 @JamieAgerNC
NC 13 @PaulBarringerNC
NC 14 LaKesha Womack

[Christa Dutton @christa_dutton]

@RayESmithJr will be the Democrat to take on Republican incumbent @RepGregMurphy in North Carolina's Third District.

@dccc has this one on their Districts In Play list

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

Moving forward will require vision, energy, and real effort. We have work to do to ensure the 3rd District sends a representative to Washington who truly reflects the needs, priorities, and voices of the people who live here. That race begins tonight.

[Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D. @RayESmithJr]

Thank you to all! I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude in this moment. While I am celebrating this victory, I know that this is just the start.

This marks the end of the first leg of the journey. The second begins now.

[Charlie Davis for North Carolina @CharlieDavisNC]

.@NBCNews projects @RayESmithJr will win the #NC03 Democratic primary. He will face off with Republican incumbent @GregMurphyMD in November.

https://t.co/HF5b8XKMrx

[AP Race Calls @AP_RaceCalls]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Raymond Smith wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District. #APRaceCall at 10:40 p.m. EST. https://t.co/TS3eIpQI5W

[Charlie Davis for North Carolina @CharlieDavisNC]

Congratulations, @RayESmithJr!

[DCCC @dccc]

.@RayESmithJr just won the Democratic primary in #NC03! As a former state representative and combat U.S. Army veteran, Raymond understands Eastern NC families because he's lived their struggle.

Now he’s ready to flip this seat, lower costs, and help deliver a Dem majority.

[CBCPAC @CBCPAC]

Congratulations to the Democratic nominee for NC-03, Dr. Raymond Smith Jr. Your vision and service will carry this community forward!