Why It Matters
Democrat Raymond Smith appears to have defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy in North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District, potentially changing the state’s congressional delegation from 10 Republicans and four Democrats to 11 Democrats and three Republicans.
What Happened
Smith, a former North Carolina state lawmaker, moved ahead of Murphy after counties counted provisional ballots and cured absentee ballots. All counties are reporting, and Murphy conceded the race Wednesday morning.
Murphy has represented the 3rd District since 2019. In a statement, he said he was “congratulating Smith and thanking his staff and supporters.” Libertarian candidate Daniel Cavender also ran in the race.
The result would give Democrats their seventh apparent Republican seat in North Carolina. Republicans also lost the 1st Congressional District, while the 3rd District received some Democratic voters from the 1st after district lines were altered to make the 1st more Republican-leaning.
By the Numbers
Nov. 3 — election date referenced
Five — Republican congressional incumbents upset by Democrats
One — open seat won by Democrats
233 votes — Murphy’s election-night lead over Smith
526 votes — Smith’s net gain after provisional ballots were added
293 votes — Smith’s current lead with all counties reporting
3,007 votes — votes received by Daniel Cavender
Seventh — apparent Republican seat flipped by Democrats in North Carolina
10 Republicans and four Democrats — previous congressional delegation makeup
11 Democrats and three Republicans — potential new congressional delegation makeup
Zoom Out
The North Carolina results include contests in both the 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts. The apparent outcome in the 3rd District would add to the five Republican congressional incumbents defeated by Democrats, along with one open seat won by Democrats.
What’s Next
Eligible military and overseas ballots mailed by Election Day may be counted if they arrive by 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Counties are scheduled to conduct canvasses Friday, Nov. 13.
The race would be subject to a recount if the second-place candidate requests one after the canvass.