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North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election (April 30, 2019 Republican primary)

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This page covers the April 30, 2019, Republican primary election. For information on the July 9, 2019, Republican primary runoff election, click here.

State Rep. Greg Murphy and Dr. Joan Perry advanced from a field of seventeen candidates to a runoff for the Republican Party nomination in a special election for North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District.[1] Murphy received 22.5 percent of the vote and Perry 15.4 percent. The vote threshold to avoid a runoff in the race was 30 percent. The election filled the vacancy left by Walter Jones (R), who died on February 10, 2019.[2]

Jones, who was first elected in 1994, did not face a general election challenger in 2018, and he won re-election in 2016, 2014, and 2012 by about 30 percentage points. In the 2016 presidential election, the district voted for Donald Trump (R) over Hillary Clinton (D) by more than 23 percentage points.[3] Inside Elections rated the special election "Solid Republican."[4]

The 17 Republican candidates that ran to replace Jones included six elected officials and six candidates with backgrounds in politics or notable endorsements.[5]

The six elected officials were:

The six candidates with political backgrounds or noteworthy endorsements were:

The other five candidates who filed to run were Kevin Baiko, Graham Boyd, Gary Ceres, Chimer Davis Clark Jr., and Don Cox.

The primary election took place on April 30, 2019. The runoff election was held on July 9, 2019, and the general election on September 10.[7][8]

There were 10 special elections called during the 116th Congress. Eight were called for seats in the U.S. House, and two for seats in the U.S. Senate. From the 113th Congress to the 115th Congress, 40 special elections were held. For more data on historical congressional special elections, click here.

North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District is located in the eastern portion of the state and includes all or parts of Currituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Chowan, Tyrrell, Dare, Hyde, Beaufort, Pamlico, Carteret, Pitt, Craven, Onslow, Jones, Lenoir, and Greene counties.[9]

North Carolina voter? Dates you need to know.
Candidate Filing DeadlineMarch 8, 2019[10]
Registration DeadlineApril 5 (primary), June 14 (general)[11]
Absentee Application DeadlineJuly 2, 2019[11]
Primary ElectionsApril 30, 2019
Primary Runoff ElectionJuly 9, 2019
General ElectionSeptember 10
Voting information
Polling place hours6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.


Democratic Party For more information about the Democratic primary, click here.
Republican Party For more information about the Republican primary runoff, click here.
Grey.png For more information about the general election, click here.

Candidates and election results

Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 3

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Gregory Murphy
Gregory Murphy
 
22.5
 
9,530
✔
Image of Joan Perry
Joan Perry
 
15.4
 
6,536
Image of Phillip Shepard
Phillip Shepard
 
12.1
 
5,101
Image of Michael Speciale
Michael Speciale
 
9.5
 
4,022
Image of Phil Law
Phil Law
 
8.7
 
3,690
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Eric Rouse
 
7.7
 
3,258
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Jeff Moore
 
5.4
 
2,280
Image of Francis De Luca
Francis De Luca
 
3.9
 
1,670
Image of Celeste Cairns
Celeste Cairns
 
3.5
 
1,467
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Chimer Davis Clark Jr.
 
2.6
 
1,092
Image of Michele Nix
Michele Nix
 
2.2
 
915
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Graham Boyd
 
2.1
 
897
Image of Paul Beaumont
Paul Beaumont
 
1.9
 
805
Image of Mike Payment
Mike Payment Candidate Connection
 
1.3
 
537
Image of Don Cox
Don Cox
 
0.6
 
251
Image of Kevin Baiko
Kevin Baiko
 
0.4
 
171
Image of Gary Ceres
Gary Ceres Candidate Connection
 
0.3
 
108

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 42,330
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Noteworthy endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes a bulleted list of links to official lists of endorsements for any candidates who published that information on their campaign websites. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please click here.


Republican primary endorsements
Endorsement Perry Cairns
Organizations
Susan B. Anthony List[12] ✔
Club for Growth PAC[13] ✔
Awake Carolina[14] ✔

Timeline

  • April 9, 2019: Eric Rouse released his second television ad that, among other things, highlighted his background in business, support for President Trump, and opposition to gun restrictions.
  • April 4, 2019: Women Speak Out PAC, a partner of Susan B. Anthony List, announced it was spending $75,000 on voter mail, phone calls, and digital ads targeting anti-abortion voters to support Joan Perry.[15]
  • April 3, 2019: Roll Call journalist Simone Pathe reported the following media spending figures by District 3 Republican candidates: Eric Rouse spent $66,000; Joan Perry spent $60,000; Celeste Cairns spent $49,000; and Greg Murphy spent $42,000.[16]
  • March 23, 2019: Former North Carolina GOP Vice Chairwoman Michele Nix released a television ad where she criticized U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). She said, “She has the media, she has the followers, but bless her heart, she has some terrible ideas. I approve this message because I’ll stand up to socialism.”[17]
  • March 18, 2019: Lenoir County Commissioner Eric Rouse released a television ad where he stated, "“When Trump took office, he flipped the switch. Now our economy is booming with more jobs. To keep it going, Trump needs allies to shoot down the socialist radical agenda.”[18]
  • March 8, 2019: The filing deadline passed. Twenty-six candidates filed to run, including six Democrats, 17 Republicans, one Constitution Party candidate, and two Libertarians.

Campaign themes

As of March 12, 2019, the following candidates had campaign themes on their campaign websites.

Candidate survey

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Kevin Baiko

Baiko’s campaign website stated the following:

“ I care about our country and regard its Constitution as its greatest contribution to World Civilization. We must defend it, and we must hold our government to it. I'm well-suited to the task. I fight for our freedom of speech. I fight for our right to bear arms. I fight for our religious and health freedoms and parental rights. I believe our economy prospers to the extent it is unfettered by government regulation, so I fight for a free market. With the exception of taking care of those damaged in service to their country, I think government should leave welfare to charitable institutions and commit to warfare only when justly declared. I believe we should fortify our borders. My allegiance is to these United States and its citizens, not to foreign or corporate interests.


While I am passionate about such causes, my tipping point to run is the extended stubborn rejection to sensible drug policy in our state and federal legislatures, particularly concerning medical cannabis (marijuana). Recent polls in North Carolina indicate almost 80% of our population supports medical cannabis legalization, and yet our state legislature continually dooms each attempt to die. Our federal government holds a patent citing health benefits of one part of cannabis (CBD) and approved a synthetic version of another (THC) in 1985, yet still considers it as having no accepted medical use. The cause of cannabis enrolls progressives, conservatives, libertarians and green party activists alike because they know people are senselessly suffering and dying as a result of lack of access to medical cannabis. Can you think of a more unifying issue in these divisive times? [19]

”
—Kevin Baiko’s campaign website (2019)[20]

Paul Beaumont

Beaumont’s campaign website stated the following:

“ Each day the far Left declares war on our Constitution, the justice system, and especially our President with relentlessly, radical, revolutionary attacks on everything we all hold dear.

All that this nation was founded upon, firmly established, and paid for with the blood of patriots for generations has been undermined, shredded and trampled under foot. They mock our flag. They brag about laws that kill babies after birth. They openly promote an illegal invasion that is ripping apart our country. And they despise any mention of faith in the public square.

Yet the lamp of liberty is still burning in the hearts of millions of Americans — and especially so here in North Carolina's 3rd district. That's why we need a servant-leader of firm conviction and belief, ready to stand with our President to restore what made this nation a beacon of hope, a defender of true liberty and freedom all anchored in a faith that encourages entrepreneurial vision and strong work ethic.

My three-fold pledge...

The stakes are high. If we fail now to answer the call or refuse to take a stand and fight, then we will not have done our duty to carry the torch of liberty to the next generation. So here's my three-fold pledge to you...

I'll fight for Carolina families. I love Northeastern North Carolina. My wife and I have raised 11 children here. I've served in local public office for 14 years. I believe the future is bright for our region, and I will fight to make it happen!

I'll fight for our jobs. The third district's unemployment rate is nearly double the national average. That's wrong! I've worked to bring millions of dollars and good jobs to our region. But we must do more. Let's make NC3 the most jobs friendly region in the nation through lower taxes, less regulation, and a healthy balance to protecting the environment from the overreach of the Army Corps of Engineers has done to stunt growth in our coastal region.

I'll fight to put America first. The radical Left wants to destroy President Trump because they hate his America First agenda. Well, I think any politician who doesn't put America First has betrayed our people! We must secure our borders. We must stop the flow of illegal drugs and immigration. We must Drain The Swamp. And we must make American great again!

We have a unique opportunity to build our local economy and reduce the overreach of government regulation, while encouraging the creation of business to provide more jobs for a stronger Northeast North Carolina. Our rich heritage of rural farm values is foundational to what made America Great in the past and will take Northeast North Carolina into a prosperous future if properly protected. But the time is now and each missed opportunity is costly. [19]

”
—Paul Beaumont’s campaign website (2019)[21]

Celeste Cairns

Cairns’ campaign website stated the following:

“

PROTECT LIFE

As the mother of two beautiful children and as a member of the Board of Directors for a local pregnancy resource center in the 3rd District, Celeste is 100%, unapologetically pro-life.

While Democrats across the nation continue pushing for unlimited access to abortions, Celeste will stand up for the most vulnerable and fight for policies that defend the sanctity of life. In Congress, Celeste will continue her fierce advocacy for the unborn by fighting to defund Planned Parenthood and any taxpayer-funded organization that supports the murder of defenseless children.

CUT TAXES FOR ALL

The historic tax cuts passed by Republicans in 2017 have helped working families in the 3rd District save more of their hard-earned money while allowing business owners to hire more workers and pay higher wages. If Congress fails to make these tax cuts permanent, individual tax cuts will expire and both the standard deduction and the child tax credit will shrink by 2025.

Celeste is committed to making the tax cuts permanent to deliver certainty to working families and job creators in the 3rd District and across the nation who have already benefited from the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. In addition, Celeste will work with President Trump to continue making our tax code simpler and fairer to help all Americans keep more of their paycheck.

DEFEND OUR CONSERVATIVE VALUES

Like you, Celeste is tired of watching radical Democrats across the nation hijack our future, attempt to re-write the Constitution, and put forward socialist policies that would bankrupt our children and grandchildren. More government is never the solution – and the 3rd District deserves a leader in Congress who will fight back against Nancy Pelosi’s big-government agenda that will cost taxpayers trillions of dollars.

As a devout conservative, Celeste will fight tirelessly to ensure a smaller, more accountable federal government so future generations can achieve the American Dream.

UNLEASH OUR ECONOMY

As a former C.P.A. for one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the nation, Celeste has seen firsthand the challenges facing working families and businesses of all sizes. Celeste understands that businesses must be empowered to create jobs, expand, and grow our economy – but that will only happen if we get government out of the way.

In Congress, Celeste will work with President Trump to cut burdensome, job-killing regulations and to promote free market principles that will unleash our economy’s true potential.

PRESERVE OUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS

As a proud gun owner and member of the N.R.A., Celeste knows there are few things more important than our constitutional right to bear arms. The Left will continue to criminalize law-abiding gun owners to take away our right to defend ourselves, which is why it’s critical we elect a Representative to Congress who will protect our freedoms at all costs.

The men and women of the 3rd District should rest assured – Celeste will continue to champion the rights of law-abiding gun owners in Congress by fighting back against any attempt by radical Democrats to take away our Second Amendment rights.

STAND WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP

The mainstream media, Democrats, and “never-Trump” Republicans have stopped at nothing to derail President Trump’s agenda since he was sworn into office. In the face of adversity, President Trump has remained resolute to sign historic tax cuts into law, rebuild our military, and appoint strict constitutionalist judges to federal courts and the Supreme Court.

Unlike career politicians, President Trump is keeping his promises to the American people and his accomplishments will preserve our conservative values and Constitution for generations – but we have more to accomplish if we truly want to Make America Great Again.

Celeste will call on Republicans to unify behind our President to help him deliver more results for the American people. In Congress, Celeste will work with President Trump to fund a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, and stop the radical Left from socializing our healthcare system.

[19]

”
—Celeste Cairns’ campaign website (2019)[22]

Gary Ceres

Ceres’ campaign website stated the following:

“

Immigration
The working class and middle class is most affected by the failure of the Washington elites to control our borders. The downward pressure on wages, employment loss, increased taxation to pay for illegal immigrant services and the charges of racism are all things that the Democrats and some Republicans in Congress foist upon the working class in the name of political correctness.

I support building the border wall, reforming our visa system to track down and deport those that overstay visas, withholding funds from sanctuary cities and making English the official language of the United States.

Regulations

Regulations cost our economy more than $1.3 trillion a year. I pledge to be a hawk on identifying and seeking the repeal of outdated and onerous regulations. Regulations not only harm our hardworking small business owners but are responsible for greatly expanding the costs of goods and services that the working class consumes.

Late Term Abortions

The Democrats in Washington have devalued human life to new lows. While there can be disagreement with those that are pro-choice even as I am strongly pro-life there can be no tolerance for allowing late term abortions that are never medically necessary. Democrats have now gone beyond even supporting abortion to advocating infanticide. I will not just pay lip service to this issue but will seek a federal ban on late term abortions and make sure that any doctor that participates in the infanticide of a child born alive during an abortion is put in prison.

[19]

”
—Gary Ceres’ campaign website (2019)[23]

Chimer Clark

Clark’s campaign website stated the following:

“ Herein rests the bulk of my desire and dedication to election to the US House of Representatives.
  • 1. All of the greatness of our home is threatened by a Federal Government that has become too far-reaching in its relentless lust for control. The Federal government has driven the National debt beyond 22 trillion dollars—that is the most glaring and perhaps only example required to grasp that the Federal Government has lost all understanding of the need for national fiscal responsibility.
  • 2. I desire a better representation for the men and women who have served our country. It is a travesty to abandon those who have given so much, even their very lives, in the service of our country. I have been a member of our Armed Forces. I grew up in a military family. I understand the men and women of our country and refuse to allow them to be forgotten. Talking alone will not help, action must be taken on their behalf.
My desire for being elected to the US House of Representatives is to be a voice for greater support of the Veterans of the country. I have dealt personally with the inattentiveness of the Veterans Administration.The Veterans Administration has many admirable people in its ranks, so it is unjust to issue a blanket statement that it is completely bad. There are, however, gaping areas of the VA that need repair. That is of primary significance to me in my pursuit of this elected position.
  • 3. Business has become more costly and less profitable for owners and employees in large measure because of bureaucratic intervention. Bureaucracy and regulation must be scaled back for the endurance of freedom and liberty.
Are laws necessary? Of course they are, but excess of regulation does not create the efficiencies that the intelligent people of Eastern North Carolina demand.
  • 4. Finally, in this brief declaration of Chimer Davis Clark, Jr., is this:
The United States Constitution is the heart and soul of the United States of America. Its very existence and adherence enriches the lives of the citizens of the United States of America. It was written for the citizens of our great land, to guide us and be our light when the darkness is heavy. It was not written for other nations so it is not of our concern whether they understand it or even agree with it. WE are the United States of America and the Constitution is the governing framework of our land. If other lands don’t understand it or agree with any part of it, too bad for them. For me I stand with it and for it until I take my final breath.

[19]

”
—Chimer Clark’s campaign website (2019)[24]

Francis De Luca

De Luca’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Term Limits:

I support a constitutional amendment to implement term limits. If elected I pledge to serve no more than 3 full terms. Elected office is a public service. Not a right or a job!

President Donald J. Trump:

I believe Donald Trump is part of God’s plan to help guide our country in the right direction. We must remember he is human with all the human frailties. He has been a true champion when it comes to standing up for Christians and the selection of judges and for attempting to carry out his campaign promises. The Lord choose Saul (who later became known as the Apostle Paul) and David as champions even though both were deeply flawed. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Voting:

I have always been a strong proponent for Voter ID and for making our elections system more secure. Much of the 2013 Voter ID bill passed in the legislature was based on research and work done by Civitas over the years. Unfortunately, the activist 4th Circuit Court overturned the bill and a deadlocked 4-4 Supreme Court meant their decision stood (see Judicial Overreach). But there are still things that can be done at the state level such as shortening or eliminating early voting/same day registration. At the federal level any legislation passed should eliminate federal interference in state election law, not increase it.

Veterans Issues:

Our nation should support the men and women who put their lives on the line for our country. As a veteran of two wars myself, I truly believe they have earned it by serving our country, but I understand that we can’t just throw money at this problem. The system needs to be reformed to put the veteran in control of their own health care and allow them to go to doctors they know and trust. With over 95,000 veterans, the most of any congressional district in NC, this will help put much needed money into local health care systems throughout the 3rd District, improving health care for not only veterans and their families but for everyone. The current VA system is asking for almost $200 BILLION to take care of a population of around 20 million, a population which is expected to shrink in the coming years. By fundamentally transforming the system we can improve care, have better outcomes and control costs. While transforming the VA we should maintain several outstanding VA hospital centers as acute care facilities and, most importantly, research facilities on issues unique to our veterans.

Armed Service/Foreign Policy:

With the threats from terrorism and expansionist powers around the world, we should have a military second to none. One of the few specific mentions in the constitution of powers granted to the federal government is to raise and support land and naval forces. Our military should only be used in cases of true threats to our national security or our people. We should work with allies to help them build militaries capable of defending themselves.

Right to Life:

Not a complicated issue. I support the right to life, and I believe what the constitution says in the 5th and 14th amendments: that no one shall be "deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law”. And the Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, uses the same eleven words, called the Due Process Clause, to describe the legal obligation of all states.

Right to Bear Arms:

We simply need to look to the 2nd Amendment: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." I will oppose any attempts to redefine this right.

Illegal Immigration:

To me this is an issue of National Security. We are not a sovereign country if we do not have control of our borders and who is in our country. We must use plain English to describe the people who come into our country illegally – illegal aliens – not an Orwellian term like “undocumented immigrants”. As President of Civitas I have a long record of supporting measures at the state level to make our state less friendly to Illegal Aliens.

Border Wall:

Many politicians use “build the wall” as empty rhetoric. But I have a lifetime of service as a record to prove I believe deeply in protecting our nation. Unfortunately, the politicians, while I was overseas serving in combat, continued to allow our country to be invaded unimpeded. This occurred both over the border and by people overstaying visas. President Trump is the first President to seriously address the issue. Any military person will tell you that one of the first things you do when you set up a base in a hostile place is you fortify the walls to control access in and out of your camp. Simply put we need the wall and we need a better way of tracking people who come in legally and overstay their visas. Several of the 9/11 hijackers were here on expired Visas and currently it is estimated that over 700,000 aliens are still here on expired Visas. If FedEx can track hundreds of millions of packages every year, than surely, we can devise a system to track aliens visiting our country.

Legal Immigration:

We must improve the immigration system (see Border Wall) to allow high skilled workers to come to our country and to allow workers that are truly required to fill jobs. None of these people should displace an American worker.

Values:

It is important to respect and honor our long-held values and traditions and, as President of Civitas, I did that on the full range of issues including fighting alongside many others to pass the marriage amendment.

Healthcare:

We must repeal Obamacare and return to a patient centered system that enables patients and doctors to collaborate and improve care and outcomes without the government involved in decisions. We must also beware of more government expansion into our health care disguised as a “conservative” alternative.

Judicial Overreach:

For too long the federal judiciary has acted as an unelected legislator, changing laws and creating new rights. It is time Congress asserted its authority granted in Article III, Section: 2 of the US Constitution which states that the Supreme Court’s and the lower federal courts’ appellate jurisdiction is subject to congressional exceptions and regulations. Instead of just complaining, Congress needs to return the courts to their rightful place in the system, not as the last word on everything.

Spending/Taxes/Debt:

We have record revenue going to the federal government. But, as many have said, Washington has a spending problem. I will vote against almost all higher spending. No more $1.3 trillion omnibus bills which no one reads before voting on them. No more massive farm bills which contain more welfare than farm aid. There is no greater threat to our long-term future than the growing National Debt. I will oppose all new taxes (I will support tax adjustments that reduce taxes overall).

Education:

The future of our country is tied to education. But the federal government has no place in education. The word education does not appear once in the Constitution and I will work to eliminate the US Department of Education (over 4,000 employees and a $70 billion budget). Unfortunately, more and more people reach adulthood with a subpar education, unprepared for the workplace and to be functioning members of our society. The left relies on uneducated voters to support them in their schemes to “fundamentally remake” America. It is why I have always fought to give parents opportunities and choice when it comes to educating their children. The responsibility for education rests with parents, localities and the states. [19]

”
—Francis De Luca’s campaign website (2019)[25]

Phil Law

Law published 12 individual policy pages on the following issues:

  • National Security
  • Veterans Issues
  • Second Amendment
  • Israel
  • Right to Life
  • Fiscal Responsibility
  • Individual Liberty
  • School Choice
  • Economy and Jobs
  • Health Care
  • Immigration
  • Fishing
  • Agriculture

Jeff Moore

Moore’s campaign website stated the following:

“

IMMIGRATION

Build That Wall.

The United States is a nation built upon the Rule of Law. Our citizenry must be able to rely on that first and foremost. The leftist push for amnesty for illegal aliens and protection from law enforcement in sanctuary cities rips at the fabric of civil society. Every town should cooperate fully with ICE, and we should empower those protecting our homeland to do their jobs.

MILITARY & VETERANS

The men and women of our Armed Services, both active duty and veterans, are the defenders of our liberty. They have sacrificed much to protect this great nation, and they deserve to be taken care of. President Obama eviscerated our service branches, our military readiness, and our Veterans Administration. President Trump is working hard to correct the Obama era. I will work tirelessly to support our troops and veterans.

GUN RIGHTS

In Eastern North Carolina, we take seriously the responsibility of protecting ourselves, our families, property and our liberty. When it comes to the right to bear arms, shall not be infringed means just that: HANDS OFF. I will fight tooth and nail against any attempt to strip away our right to bear arms.

SANCTITY OF LIFE

Life begins at conception. Period. The role of any government should be to protect those most innocent who are unable to protect themselves. We must end all funding of Planned Parenthood and Medicaid or government funded abortion immediately. Donald Trump is working hard to do that, and he’s winning. I will be a voice for the unborn in Washington.

FISHING

The well-being of our coast’s fishermen must always remain a central priority. We’ve got to keep our inlets open, so commercial fleets can actually get out into the ocean for their catch, and toward that end, D.C. needs to know our fishermen are the best stewards of our environment. Landlocked bureaucrats have no business dictating terms to our commercial fishermen.

FARMING

Eastern North Carolina’s farm families are the backbone of our economy. Our farmers are experts in their fields, and our producers are the best in the country. It is vital they’re able to compete on an even playing field with the rest of the world. I will fight alongside President Trump to make sure our growers and producers get everything American products deserve in the marketplace.

HEALTHCARE

Market based solutions will increase quality of care, cut prices, and remove barriers blocking access to high quality healthcare for North Carolinians of all ages. Medicaid expansion in North Carolina would be catastrophic — one more step toward the complete implementation of Obamacare.

INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND LIMITED GOVERNMENT

Eastern North Carolina doesn’t need D.C. to survive. It’s the opposite, in fact. We’ve been making our own way for hundreds of years, living off the land and water, running local businesses. Our inalienable rights — the rights to raise our families, run our businesses here, and practice our own religion, don’t come from Raleigh or D.C., but from God. The State has no claim on those rights. I’ll fight to make sure it always stays that way.

EDUCATION

I’m a father of two, so I want what’s best for our children. Our kids’ education should be directed by their parents and their teachers at the local level — not in D.C. The federal government has no business telling Eastern North Carolina how we should operate our local schools. With less bureaucracy, we can allocate more dollars for our teachers and put those funds to work educating our children.

[19]

”
—Jeff Moore’s campaign website (2019)[26]

Campaign advertisements

This section shows advertisements released in this race. Ads released by campaigns and, if applicable, satellite groups are embedded or linked below. If you are aware of advertisements that should be included, please email us.

Chimer Clark

"Tough as Nails" - Clark campaign ad, released April 19, 2019

Francis De Luca

"Drain the Swamp" - De Luca campaign ad, released April 9, 2019


Michele Nix

"Bless Her Heart" - Nix campaign ad, released March 20, 2019


Joan Perry

"Kids" - Winning for Women campaign ad, released April 22, 2019


Eric Rouse

"Eric Rouse for Congress" - Rouse campaign ad, released March 19, 2019
"Rouse in the House" - Rouse campaign ad, released April 9, 2019


Phil Shepherd


Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District Republican primary
Poll Undecided Greg MurphyJoan PerryPhil ShepardMichael SpecialeJeff MooreEric RousePhil LawCeleste CairnsOther[27]Margin of ErrorSample Size
Atlantic Media & Research
April 24-27, 2019		 44%14%9%7%6%6%4%3%2%5%+/-6.1253
Note: A "0%" finding means the question was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org


Campaign finance

The candidates in the chart below had filed finance reports with the Federal Election Commission for the first quarter of 2019. Any candidates not appearing below did not have information filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Satellite spending

Satellite spending, commonly referred to as outside spending, describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[28][29][30]

This section lists satellite spending in this race reported by news outlets in alphabetical order. If you are aware of spending that should be included, please email us.

  • Women Speak Out PAC, a partner of Susan B. Anthony List, announced on April 4, 2019, it was spending $75,000 on voter mail, phone calls, and digital ads targeting anti-abortion voters to support Perry.[15]
  • Winning for Women, a group led by former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), made a $123,000 ad buy to support Perry on April 18, 2019.[31]
  • Awake Carolina made a $90,000 media buy to support Cairns on April 18, 2019.[14]
  • Club for Growth made its first ad buy to support Cairns on April 25, 2019.[32]

Noteworthy events

Debates and forums

The Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce sponsored a candidate forum on March 26, 2019. Thirteen candidates attended the forum. A full video of the forum is embedded below.

3rd U.S. House District Republican candidates forum, hosted March 26, 2019

Social media

As of March 26, 2019, the following candidates had social media accounts.

Twitter accounts

Facebook accounts

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Republican Party Kevin Baiko Facebook
Republican Party Paul Beaumont Facebook
Republican Party Graham Boyd Facebook
Republican Party Celeste Cairns Facebook
Republican Party Gary Ceres Facebook
Republican Party Don Cox Facebook
Republican Party Francis De Luca Facebook
Republican Party Phil Law Facebook
Republican Party Jeff Moore Facebook
Republican Party Gregory Murphy Facebook
Republican Party Michele Nix Facebook
Republican Party Mike Payment Facebook
Republican Party Joan Perry Facebook
Republican Party Eric Rouse Facebook
Republican Party Phillip Shepard Facebook

Pivot Counties

See also: Pivot Counties by state

Six of 100 North Carolina counties—6 percent—are Pivot Counties. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
County Trump margin of victory in 2016 Obama margin of victory in 2012 Obama margin of victory in 2008
Bladen County, North Carolina 9.39% 1.97% 2.07%
Gates County, North Carolina 9.07% 4.11% 5.22%
Granville County, North Carolina 2.49% 4.54% 6.58%
Martin County, North Carolina 0.43% 4.65% 4.64%
Richmond County, North Carolina 9.74% 2.95% 1.50%
Robeson County, North Carolina 4.27% 17.41% 13.78%

In the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump (R) won North Carolina with 49.8 percent of the vote. Hillary Clinton (D) received 46.2 percent. In presidential elections between 1792 and 2016, North Carolina voted Democratic 53.5 percent of the time and Republican 25 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, North Carolina voted Republican all five times with the exception of the 2008 presidential election.[33]

Presidential results by legislative district

The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in North Carolina. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[34][35]

In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 40 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 38.3 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 44 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 36.4 points. Clinton won three districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.
In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 80 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 22.7 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 76 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 27.7 points. Trump won five districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections.


District history

2018

See also: North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House North Carolina District 3

Incumbent Walter B. Jones won election in the general election for U.S. House North Carolina District 3 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Walter B. Jones
Walter B. Jones (R)
 
100.0
 
187,901

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 187,901
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 3

Incumbent Walter B. Jones defeated Phil Law and Scott Dacey in the Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 3 on May 8, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Walter B. Jones
Walter B. Jones
 
43.0
 
20,963
Image of Phil Law
Phil Law
 
29.4
 
14,343
Image of Scott Dacey
Scott Dacey
 
27.5
 
13,421

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.

Total votes: 48,727
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2016

See also: North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Walter Jones (R) defeated Democratic candidate Ernest Reeves in the general election. Jones defeated Taylor Griffin and Phil Law in the Republican primary, while Reeves defeated David Hurst for the Democratic nomination. The primary election took place on June 7, 2016. The general election took place on November 8, 2016.[36]

U.S. House, North Carolina District 3 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngWalter Jones Incumbent 67.2% 217,531
     Democratic Ernest Reeves 32.8% 106,170
Total Votes 323,701
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections


U.S. House, North Carolina District 3 Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngWalter Jones Incumbent 64.9% 15,799
Phil Law 20.3% 4,946
Taylor Griffin 14.8% 3,610
Total Votes 24,355
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections


U.S. House, North Carolina District 3 Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngErnest Reeves 54.7% 6,456
David Hurst 45.3% 5,351
Total Votes 11,807
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections

2014

See also: North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District elections, 2014

The 3rd Congressional District of North Carolina held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Incumbent Walter Jones (R) defeated Marshall Adame (D) in the general election.

U.S. House, North Carolina District 3 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngWalter Jones Incumbent 67.8% 139,415
     Democratic Marshall Adame 32.2% 66,182
Total Votes 205,597
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections

2012

See also: North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District elections, 2012

The 3rd Congressional District of North Carolina held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012, in which incumbent Walter B. Jones (R) won re-election. He defeated Erik Anderson (D) in the general election.[37]

U.S. House, North Carolina District 3 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Erik Anderson 36.9% 114,314
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngWalter B. Jones Incumbent 63.1% 195,571
Total Votes 309,885
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

2010

On November 2, 2010, Walter B. Jones won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Johnny G. Rouse (D) and Darryl Holloman (Libertarian) in the general election.[38]

U.S. House, North Carolina District 3, General Election, 2010
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngWalter B. Jones incumbent 71.9% 143,225
     Democratic Johnny G. Rouse 25.7% 51,317
     Libertarian Darryl Holloman 2.4% 4,762
Total Votes 199,304


State profile

See also: North Carolina and North Carolina elections, 2019
USA North Carolina location map.svg

Partisan data

The information in this section was current as of May 7, 2019

Presidential voting pattern

  • North Carolina voted Republican in six out of the seven presidential elections between 2000 and 2024.

Congressional delegation

State executives

  • Democrats held four and Republicans held six of North Carolina's 20 state executive offices. Elections for the other offices are nonpartisan.
  • North Carolina's governor was Democrat Roy Cooper.

State legislature

North Carolina Party Control: 1992-2025
Fourteen years of Democratic trifectas  •  Four years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Governor R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D R R R R D D D D D D D D D
Senate D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
House D D D R R R R D D D D D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R

North Carolina quick stats
More North Carolina coverage on Ballotpedia:


Demographic data for North Carolina
 North CarolinaU.S.
Total population:10,035,186316,515,021
Land area (sq mi):48,6183,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White:69.5%73.6%
Black/African American:21.5%12.6%
Asian:2.5%5.1%
Native American:1.2%0.8%
Pacific Islander:0.1%0.2%
Two or more:2.4%3%
Hispanic/Latino:8.8%17.1%
Education
High school graduation rate:85.8%86.7%
College graduation rate:28.4%29.8%
Income
Median household income:$46,868$53,889
Persons below poverty level:20.5%11.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in North Carolina.
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.


See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Under North Carolina law, runoffs must be requested by second-place candidates if the winning candidate does not clear 30 percent of the vote. Perry confirmed on April 30 that she requested a runoff.
  2. ↑ Roll Call, "GOP Rep. Walter Jones dies at 76," February 10, 2019
  3. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017
  4. ↑ Inside Elections, "North Carolina," accessed May 6, 2019
  5. ↑ Charlotte News-Observer, "26 candidates, including 17 Republicans, running to replace Walter Jones in Congress," March 12, 2019
  6. ↑ Long Leaf Politics, "Breaking down the 26 candidates who filed for the 3rd Congressional District special election," March 10, 2019
  7. ↑ The News & Observer, "Who’s running to replace Walter Jones in Congress – and when is the election?" February 27, 2019
  8. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate Detail List," accessed March 11, 2019
  9. ↑ General Assembly of North Carolina, "2016 Contingent Congressional Plan - Corrected*," accessed September 28, 2018
  10. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Fact Sheet: Running for Congress - 2019," accessed March 9, 2019
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Rock the Vote, "North Carolina," accessed March 11, 2019
  12. ↑ Susan B. Anthony List, "Women Speak Out PAC Announces $75K Independent Expenditure Campaign for Joan Perry in NC-03," April 4, 2019
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Roll Call, "Club for Growth backs a woman in 17-person North Carolina primary," April 17, 2019
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Federal Election Commission, "Schedule E Report for FEC-1327416," accessed April 19, 2019
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 SBA List, "Women Speak Out PAC Announces $75K Independent Expenditure Campaign for Joan Perry in NC-03," April 4, 2019
  16. ↑ Twitter, "Simone Pathe on April 10, 2019"
  17. ↑ Spectrum News, "NC Congressional Candidate Targets Ocasio-Cortez in Political Ad," March 23, 2019
  18. ↑ Charlotte News-Observer, "Gun-toting GOP candidate vows to back Trump in first ad of US House special election," March 18, 2019
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 19.6 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  20. ↑ Kevin Baiko for Congress, "On the Issues," accessed March 12, 2019
  21. ↑ Beaumont for Congress, "About," accessed March 12, 2019
  22. ↑ Celeste for Congress, "Issues," accessed March 26, 2019
  23. ↑ Gary Ceres for Congress, "Issues," accessed March 12, 2019
  24. ↑ Chimer Clark for Congress, "Home," accessed March 26, 2019
  25. ↑ De Luca for Congress, "Issues," accessed March 26, 2019
  26. ↑ Jeff Moore for Congress, "Issues," accessed March 12, 2019
  27. ↑ Combined total for Paul Beaumont (1.2%), Francis DeLuca (0.8%), Don Cox (0.8%), Chimer Clark (0.8%), Mike Payment (0.4%), Michele Nix (0.4%), Gary Ceres (0.4%), and Kevin Baiko (0%).
  28. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed September 22, 2015
  29. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed September 22, 2015
  30. ↑ National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," November 6, 2015
  31. ↑ Open Secrets, "Outside groups spending big in crowded North Carolina special elections," April 24, 2019
  32. ↑ Twitter, “Medium Buying on April 18, 2019,” accessed April 24, 2019
  33. ↑ 270towin.com, "North Carolina," accessed June 1, 2017
  34. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
  35. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017
  36. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "June Primary Candidates," accessed March 27, 2016
  37. ↑ Politico, "2012 Election Map, North Carolina," accessed November 7, 2012
  38. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013


North Carolina's current delegation to the United States Congress
Senators
Ted Budd (R)
Thom Tillis (R)
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 14
Republican Party (12)
Democratic Party (4)

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