After provisional ballots were counted, Democrat Raymond Smith overtook Rep. Greg Murphy by nearly 300 votes in North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District, and Murphy conceded on Nov. 11, congratulating Smith and saying he expected him to serve with honor and integrity.

Smith’s victory is part of a broader Democratic surge in North Carolina: if the remaining results hold, Democrats will control 11 of the state’s 14 U.S. House seats, up from four in the current delegation, and have unseated at least six Republican incumbents.

The result also reflects a nationwide Democratic wave and an unexpected reversal of North Carolina’s congressional map, which was redrawn by Republicans to improve their prospects.

Redistricting moved Republican-leaning precincts out of the 3rd District and added Wayne, Wilson, Greene and Lenoir counties, making the contest more competitive and helping create an opening for Smith.

The race drew national attention, with Murphy raising more than $2.8 million compared with about $366,000 for Smith.

Smith, 65, is an Army veteran, former educator and football coach, and former state representative; he holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Fayetteville State University.

Preparing to take office in January, Smith has named agriculture, affordability, military and veterans’ resources, and health care among his priorities, including addressing the shortage of trauma care in eastern North Carolina.

Smith has also highlighted rising gas prices and said he would oppose additional funding for the Iran war without a clearer explanation of its aims.

Murphy called representing eastern North Carolina for seven years the greatest honor of his life, thanked voters, and said his family would reflect on its future in the coming months.

Even after provisional ballots were counted, four congressional races and six legislative contests remained within the 1% margin that allows a trailing candidate to request a recount.

In the state Senate’s only race within recount range, Republican Sen. Danny Britt led Catina Hamm by 228 votes; if Britt holds the seat, Republicans would retain a 26–24 majority.

With Democrats poised to dominate the state House and hold substantial Senate representation, lawmakers may revisit the Opportunity Scholarship private-school voucher program, including possible tighter reporting rules and restored income limits; House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said he is looking for ways to support public schools and save money.