Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., Ed.D.

I’ve stood in the classroom. I’ve seen firsthand what our teachers carry with them every single day: the long hours, the limited resources, and the constant pressure to do more with less. Later, serving as Vice Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Education, those stories didn’t go away—they followed me into every decision, every conversation. So when I got to the legislature, it was never just about policy. It was about people. It was about fighting for the promise of Leandro v. State of North Carolina and pushing for real teacher pay raises—because our educators deserve more than words. At the recent rally in Raleigh, one thing was clear: our teachers are still being stretched too thin.And here in rural eastern North Carolina, our schools don’t have the luxury of waiting. That’s why I’m running for Congress—to make sure our teachers are supported, our schools are funded, and every child has a fair shot. But campaigns like this are powered by people not special interests. If you believe in investing in our teachers, our students, and our future, I’m asking you to stand with me today. 👉secure.actblue.com/donate/ra… Every contribution—no matter the size—helps us build a campaign that puts people over politics. Thank you for believing in this fight.