From Goldsboro to the General Assembly
Born and raised in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Raymond Smith Jr.'s life was shaped by a family commitment to service. His father was a U.S. Marine and his mother served on the Wayne County School Board for nearly two decades, instilling a sense of duty that would define his future path. After graduating from Goldsboro High School, Smith embarked on a long and varied career. He served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman, including during the Persian Gulf War. This was followed by roles as a teacher, a transportation planner for NCDOT, and a director for Wayne County Public Schools. His deep roots in education and local government eventually led him to seek public office, first winning an at-large seat on the Wayne County Board of Education.
There, he made history as the first African American to hold the position and later served as its vice chairman.
A Highly Educated Public Servant
Smith's commitment to personal and professional development is evident in his academic record. He holds three degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He earned a bachelor's degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University, and a doctorate in Education Leadership from Fayetteville State University. This extensive background in public administration and education would become a cornerstone of his legislative identity, influencing his policy priorities and approach to governance. His campaign materials often emphasize that these institutions instilled in him a dedication to equity and opportunity.
Two Terms in the NC House
In 2018, Smith was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 21, which included parts of Wayne and Sampson counties. He served two terms, from 2019 to 2023. During his tenure, he was a member of key committees including Appropriations, Transportation, Military and Veterans Affairs, and Finance. In his second term, his colleagues elected him to a leadership role as Democratic Whip. His legislative efforts focused on issues important to his Eastern North Carolina constituents, such as introducing bills related to public education investment, community revitalization, and the expansion of Medicaid.
Ambitions for Higher Office
After his time in the state House, Smith set his sights on higher office. In 2022, he ran for the North Carolina State Senate but was defeated in the Democratic primary. He then lost a general election for the same seat in 2024. Undeterred, he is currently the Democratic nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District for the November 3, 2026, general election. He won the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026, and his campaign has secured the endorsement of the Congressional Black Caucus PAC. The newly redrawn district, which stretches from I-95 to the coast, is considered more competitive, though still leans Republican.
