From Surgeon's Scrubs to the Statehouse
Before he was Congressman Murphy, he was Dr. Murphy, a well-known urologic surgeon in Greenville, North Carolina. Raised in Raleigh, he earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before establishing a long-standing practice. His pre-political life was deeply rooted in medicine, serving as Chief of Staff at Vidant Medical Center and on the faculty at ECU's Brody School of Medicine. Murphy also dedicated significant time to medical missionary work in countries like India and Haiti. His transition into public service began in 2015 when he was appointed to the North Carolina General Assembly. There, he became a key figure in health policy, championing the state's first major legislative efforts to combat the opioid
epidemic, including the STOP Act and the HOPE Act.
The Path to Washington
Greg Murphy’s move to national politics came after the death of longtime Congressman Walter B. Jones Jr. in 2019. Murphy entered a crowded Republican primary for the special election to fill the vacant seat for North Carolina's 3rd congressional district. He advanced to a runoff and ultimately won the nomination before defeating his Democratic opponent in the general election in September 2019. Since then, he has successfully secured re-election, solidifying his position as the representative for a district that covers a large swath of the state's coast and agricultural inland, including areas like New Bern and the Outer Banks.
A Legislative Focus on Healthcare and Veterans
As one of the only practicing physicians in Congress, Murphy's legislative priorities are heavily influenced by his medical background. He serves as a co-chair of the House GOP Doctors Caucus and holds positions on influential committees, including the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. Much of his sponsored legislation aims to address healthcare system inefficiencies. He has introduced bills related to reforming Medicare physician payment schedules, increasing the number of rural medical residency slots, and promoting competition to lower pharmaceutical costs. His position on the Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee further aligns with his expertise, where he focuses on the well-being of service members and their families in a district with a significant military presence.
Conservative Record and Key Stances
Politically, Greg Murphy is a reliable conservative. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee, a prominent caucus of conservative House members. His voting record aligns with mainstream Republican positions on fiscal and social issues. He has supported legislation aimed at curbing government spending and has advocated for conservative principles on issues such as border security. His public statements and votes reflect a commitment to a smaller federal government, lower taxes, and a strong national defense, which resonates with the political landscape of his Eastern North Carolina district. His legislative work often involves proposals to amend the Internal Revenue Code, reflecting a focus on tax policy as a tool for economic influence.
