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Raymond Smith Jr.

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Raymond Smith Jr.
Image of Raymond Smith Jr.
Prior offices
Wayne County Public Schools, At-large

North Carolina House of Representatives District 21
Successor: Ya Liu
Predecessor: Larry Bell

Elections and appointments
Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Goldsboro High School

Bachelor's

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 1992

Graduate

North Carolina Central University, 1998

Ph.D

Fayetteville State University, 2020

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Army

Personal
Birthplace
Goldsboro, N.C.
Religion
Methodist
Profession
Consultant
Contact

Raymond Smith Jr. (Democratic Party) was a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 21. He assumed office on January 1, 2019. He left office on January 1, 2023.

Smith (Democratic Party) ran for election to the North Carolina State Senate to represent District 4. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Smith completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Raymond Smith Jr. was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He served in the U.S. Army. Smith earned a high school diploma from Goldsboro High School, a bachelor's degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1992, a graduate degree from North Carolina Central University in 1998, and a Ph.D. from Fayetteville State University in 2020. His career experience includes working as a consultant, transportation professional, and teacher.[1]

As of 2024, Smith was affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

  • St. James AME Zion Church - Trustee
  • N.C. A&T State University Alumni Association
  • Fayetteville State University Alumni Association
  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
  • Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons
  • Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends, Inc.
  • Wayne County HBCU Alliance
  • Jack & Jill of Eastern NC
  • Safe Space For Youth of Wayne County
  • Wayne Omega Uplift Foundation

Committee assignments

Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.

2021-2022

Smith was assigned to the following committees:

2019-2020

Smith was assigned to the following committees:


The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.


Elections

2024

See also: North Carolina State Senate elections, 2024

General election

General election for North Carolina State Senate District 4

Incumbent Eldon Sharpe Newton III defeated Raymond Smith Jr. in the general election for North Carolina State Senate District 4 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Eldon Sharpe Newton III
Eldon Sharpe Newton III (R)
 
55.1
 
55,389
Image of Raymond Smith Jr.
Raymond Smith Jr. (D) Candidate Connection
 
44.9
 
45,096

Total votes: 100,485
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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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Raymond Smith Jr. advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina State Senate District 4.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Eldon Sharpe Newton III advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina State Senate District 4.

Campaign finance

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Smith in this election.

2022

See also: North Carolina State Senate elections, 2022

General election

General election for North Carolina State Senate District 4

Eldon Sharpe Newton III defeated incumbent Milton F. Fitch Jr. in the general election for North Carolina State Senate District 4 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Eldon Sharpe Newton III
Eldon Sharpe Newton III (R)
 
57.5
 
38,638
Image of Milton F. Fitch Jr.
Milton F. Fitch Jr. (D)
 
42.5
 
28,543

Total votes: 67,181
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.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for North Carolina State Senate District 4

Incumbent Milton F. Fitch Jr. defeated Raymond Smith Jr. in the Democratic primary for North Carolina State Senate District 4 on May 17, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Milton F. Fitch Jr.
Milton F. Fitch Jr.
 
54.5
 
6,994
Image of Raymond Smith Jr.
Raymond Smith Jr.
 
45.5
 
5,843

Total votes: 12,837
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 North Carolina State Senate District 4

Eldon Sharpe Newton III defeated Joe Democko in the Republican primary for North Carolina State Senate District 4 on May 17, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Eldon Sharpe Newton III
Eldon Sharpe Newton III
 
67.6
 
8,728
Joe Democko
 
32.4
 
4,181

Total votes: 12,909
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.

Campaign finance

2020

See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2020

General election

General election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 21

Incumbent Raymond Smith Jr. defeated Brent Heath in the general election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 21 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Raymond Smith Jr.
Raymond Smith Jr. (D)
 
53.0
 
17,632
Brent Heath (R)
 
47.0
 
15,633

Total votes: 33,265
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.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 21

Incumbent Raymond Smith Jr. defeated Eugene Pearsall in the Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 21 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Raymond Smith Jr.
Raymond Smith Jr.
 
55.2
 
4,579
Eugene Pearsall
 
44.8
 
3,710

Total votes: 8,289
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

The Republican primary election was canceled. Brent Heath advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 21.

Campaign finance

2018

See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2018

General election

General election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 21

Raymond Smith Jr. defeated Robert Freeman Sr. in the general election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 21 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Raymond Smith Jr.
Raymond Smith Jr. (D)
 
52.6
 
12,041
Robert Freeman Sr. (R)
 
47.4
 
10,829

Total votes: 22,870
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.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 21

Raymond Smith Jr. defeated Eugene Pearsall in the Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 21 on May 8, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Raymond Smith Jr.
Raymond Smith Jr.
 
53.2
 
1,511
Eugene Pearsall
 
46.8
 
1,331

Total votes: 2,842
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 North Carolina House of Representatives District 21

Robert Freeman Sr. advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 21 on May 8, 2018.


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: Wayne County Public Schools elections (2016)

Three of the seven seats on the Wayne County Public Schools school board were up for general election on November 8, 2016. There was a primary election to eliminate two of the four candidates who filed for the District 3 seat on March 15, 2016.[2] The winners of the District 2 seat and one at-large seat were determined during the general election.[3]

The seats of District 2 incumbent Dwight Cannon, District 3 incumbent Patricia Burden and at-large incumbent Edward Radford were up for election. Burden was the only incumbent who filed for re-election and was joined by three other candidates in the primary election for the seat: Trebor Jackson, Taj Polack and Charles Wright, Sr. Burden and Jackson were the two winners of the primary and competed for the District 3 seat in the general election, with Burden winning the seat. Len Henderson ran unopposed and won the open District 2 seat. Finally, two candidates vied for the at-large seat, with Raymond Smith Jr. defeating Ven Faulk.[2][3][4]

Results

Wayne County Public Schools,
At-Large General Election, 4-year term, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.png Raymond Smith Jr. 52.21% 22,544
Ven Faulk 46.99% 20,293
Write-in votes 0.8% 346
Total Votes (100) 43,183
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Official General Election Results-Wayne," accessed December 5, 2016

Funding

The Wayne County Board of Elections did not publish school board candidate campaign finance reports on its website as of November 4, 2016.[5]

See also: List of school board campaign finance deadlines in 2016
Campaign Finance Ballotpedia.png

School board candidates in North Carolina were required to file campaign finance reports to their county's board of elections unless the candidate:

(1) Did not receive more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) in contributions, and

(2) Did not receive more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) in loans, and

(3) Did not spend more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).[6]

The third quarter campaign finance deadline was October 31, 2016, and the fourth quarter deadline was January 11, 2017.[7]

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Raymond Smith Jr. completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Smith's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I am Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., a former two-term legislator in the North Carolina House of Representatives (District 21), where I represented both Wayne and Sampson counties. Prior to my legislative service, I was elected as the first African American At-Large member of the Wayne County Board of Education, where I also served as Vice Chairman.

I have an extensive background in public service, including work in education, transportation, and the military. I hold three degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): a Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University, a Master’s in Public Administration from North Carolina Central University, and a Doctorate in Education from Fayetteville State University. I am also a decorated U.S. Army Gulf War veteran.

Currently, I reside in Goldsboro with my wife, Dr. Cortrina D. Smith, and together we are proud parents to five children. I am an active community leader, serving as a Trustee at St. James AME Zion Church and participating in organizations like the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Prince Hall Affiliated Free and Accepted Masons.
  • Education: We must continue to invest in public schools, reduce class sizes, and support teachers with the resources they need. Providing equitable education for all students remains a top priority.
  • Economic Development and Job Creation: are key priorities for District 4, first, we need to ensure that our infrastructure—especially in water, sewer, and broadband—is modernized. Next, we must focus on workforce development. Finally, advocating for incentives that promote small business growth and attract new companies to our district is a must. Whether through tax breaks, grants, or loans, we can make District 4 more competitive and desirable for sustaining long-term economic prosperity.
  • Public Safety: Addressing crime through prevention and community engagement is essential. We must also support law enforcement with the training and resources they need.
The alignment between my values and the education dilemma is evident in my commitment to addressing the deep-seated issues within North Carolina's education system. By focusing on equitable funding, the diversification of the teacher workforce, comprehensive mental health support, preparing students for the modern world, and the rigorous implementation of the Comprehensive Remedial Plan, we can work together towards a future where every student in North Carolina has access to a sound basic education. The urgency of these actions cannot be overstated, as they are foundational to securing a better future for our state’s children.
I look up to my parents, Raymond E. Smith Sr; United States Marine, Retired Civil Service, and National President of the Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends, Inc., and Thelma F. Smith; Retired Educator and sitting school board member for 18 years. They were both my role models. They both lead lives dedicated to helping others and community service. They were both actively serving the community when they passed away.
To understand my political philosophy, I would recommend the book The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama. It speaks to the importance of hope, pragmatism, and perseverance in leadership. Obama’s approach to political challenges with optimism, while navigating the complexities of government, aligns with my own belief in collaboration, fairness, and striving for progress in all communities.
The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, empathy, and a commitment to service. An elected official must be trustworthy, transparent, and dedicated to listening to the needs of all constituents, ensuring that decisions are made with the community’s best interests in mind. Additionally, the ability to collaborate with others and to lead with vision and courage, even in challenging times, is essential to make a meaningful impact.
The core responsibilities for someone elected to the NC Senate include creating and enacting laws that reflect the values and needs of the people, ensuring proper allocation of state resources, and advocating for economic development, education, and public safety. A senator must represent the interests of the district while also being mindful of the state’s overall welfare. In this role, the balance between leadership and advocacy is key to ensuring equitable and effective governance.
The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. happened when I was age 7. I vividly remember the fear, anxiety, and outrage that followed in the immediate aftermath. The Apollo 11 Moon landing happened the very next year when I was age 8, we watched it on television in my classroom.
My very first job was at the age of 15. I worked at a neighborhood convenient store stocking the cooler with sodas and other cold storage items, and pumping gas for customers. I held that until I graduated from High School,
The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama. It is filled with hope and inspiration.
A Change is Gonna Come ... Sam Cooke
It is a struggle for me to understand people that choose not to Vote!
The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be one of mutual respect and collaboration. While both branches have distinct roles, cooperation is crucial for creating balanced and effective policies. A productive working relationship between the governor and legislature enables the state to address issues efficiently and pass legislation that benefits all citizens.
North Carolina's greatest challenges over the next decade include addressing educational disparities, improving access to affordable healthcare, expanding economic opportunities in rural areas, and tackling climate change. We must work to close the educational achievement gap, ensure that all residents have access to quality healthcare, and invest in sustainable development and job creation, especially in underserved communities.
I believe it is beneficial for state legislators to have prior experience in government or politics. Having experience provides a deeper understanding of how laws are made, the complexities of government systems, and the importance of building coalitions. However, it’s equally important to be open to new ideas and to bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Building relationships with other legislators is vital for achieving legislative success. Strong relationships foster collaboration, allowing elected officials to work across party lines to pass laws that benefit the public. When there is mutual respect and understanding among legislators, it is easier to create comprehensive and effective solutions to the challenges facing the state.
One legislator I admire and seek to model myself after is Congressman John Lewis. His unwavering commitment to civil rights, justice, and equality, along with his courage and determination to stand up for what is right, resonates deeply with me. His legacy as a bridge-builder and advocate for the underrepresented continues to inspire my own work in public service. I also admire John McCain for his courage, both Militarily and Politically!
My primary focus is serving the people of NC Senate District 4, however, I am open to opportunities that allow me to continue making a positive impact on the lives of North Carolinians. My commitment to public service drives me to seek positions where I can advocate for policies that promote equity, justice, and economic opportunity for all.
One of the most touching stories I’ve heard was from a constituent in my district who's wife is disabled and whose home was destroyed during hurricane Florence. They were living in that mold infested home and had been waiting for 2 years for the state to fulfill a promise to replace their home. They were suffering from respiratory illnesses as a result of the mold. Once I was made aware of their situation, as a legislator, not only was I able to assist them in obtaining temporary housing to relieve them of exposure, but they now have a new home and are doing very well.
I'm not a joke teller
The legislature should play an "advisory role only" in overseeing the use of emergency powers to ensure that they are used responsibly and within the scope of the law. Governors need the ability to act swiftly in emergencies. While it is crucial to have checks and balances in place to maintain accountability and prevent overreach, emergencies require nimbleness and quick decisions, and Governors should be entrusted with that decision.
The first bill I would (re)introduce would focus on expanding access to quality education, particularly in underserved rural communities. This bill would provide funding for technology, infrastructure, and teacher training, teacher pay, and full education funding as called for in Leandro to help close the achievement gap and ensure that all students have the resources they need to succeed.
Communications Workers of America

Vote Vets
NC AFL- CIO

Progressive Turnout Project
Committees that interest me include the Education, Transportation, Local Government, and Veterans Affairs Committees. Given my background in education leadership, transportation planning, and military service, I am passionate about shaping policies in these areas to improve the lives of North Carolinians. I believe that investing in education and infrastructure, and supporting our veterans, are essential to the state’s long-term success.
Financial transparency and government accountability are essential to maintaining public trust. I believe that all governmental actions, especially those involving public funds, should be openly communicated to the public, and officials should be held to the highest ethical standards. Transparency in the budgeting process ensures that taxpayers can see how their money is being spent and that it is being used effectively for the benefit of all.
I believe a state ballot initiative process can be beneficial for certain issues if properly structured. It can empower citizens by giving them a direct voice in shaping policy, but it must be carefully regulated to prevent misinformation and ensure that initiatives are clear, fair, and in the best interest of all residents.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2022

Raymond Smith Jr. did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Raymond Smith Jr. did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Raymond Smith Jr. campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* North Carolina State Senate District 4Lost general$76,100 $72,611
2022North Carolina State Senate District 4Lost primary$30,857 $32,967
2020North Carolina House of Representatives District 21Won general$107,165 N/A**
Grand total$214,123 $105,578
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in North Carolina

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of North Carolina scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.




2022

In 2022, the North Carolina State Legislature was in session from May 18 to July 1.

Legislators are scored based on their stance related to healthcare costs.
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills relating to family issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes related to business.
Legislators are scored on their votes on environment and conservation issues.


2021


2020


2019






See also


External links

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by
Larry Bell (D)
North Carolina House of Representatives District 21
2019-2023
Succeeded by
Ya Liu (D)
Preceded by
-
Wayne County Public Schools, At-large
2016-2019
Succeeded by
-


Current members of the North Carolina State Senate
Leadership
Minority Leader:Sydney Batch
Senators
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
Dan Blue (D)
District 15
District 16
District 17
District 18
District 19
District 20
District 21
District 22
District 23
District 24
District 25
Amy Galey (R)
District 26
District 27
District 28
District 29
District 30
District 31
District 32
Paul Lowe (D)
District 33
Carl Ford (R)
District 34
District 35
District 36
District 37
District 38
District 39
District 40
District 41
District 42
District 43
District 44
District 45
District 46
District 47
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District 50
Republican Party (30)
Democratic Party (20)