{"biography":"Patricia Smith is the Democratic nominee for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 23 in the 2026 general election.  The North Carolina House is the lower chamber of the state legislature; members serve two\u2011year terms, introduce and vote on state laws, approve the state budget, and represent the interests of their district\u2019s constituents.  Smith will face Republican Brent Roberson on November 3, 2026 if she wins the general election [1].\n\nSmith earned a high school diploma from Williamston High School and has worked as an entrepreneur, running her own business prior to seeking office [1].  She resides in Williamston, a community within the district she seeks to represent.  In the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary, Smith challenged incumbent Representative Shelly Willingham and won with 55.7% of the vote, receiving 5,209 votes to Willingham\u2019s 4,147, thereby securing the party\u2019s nomination for the seat [1].  Local reporting confirmed her filing to oppose Willingham and her status as a Williamston resident seeking the House seat [20].\n\nDuring the campaign, Smith highlighted three primary policy priorities.  She emphasized improving public education and increasing teacher pay, arguing that the state\u2019s schools are \u201cat the bottom\u201d and need better funding and support for educators.  She also advocated for affordable health\u2011care access for North Carolinians.  Finally, drawing on her experience as a small\u2011business owner, she pledged to support small\u2011business owners through policies that mitigate economic challenges such as tariffs and high operating costs [1].\n\nSmith\u2019s campaign has not yet released a dedicated website or public contact information such as an email address or phone number, and no campaign finance data are available at this time.  The Ballotpedia page includes a portrait of Smith that can be used for identification purposes [1].\n\nIf elected, Smith would join the 120\u2011member House, where she would be expected to vote on legislation, serve on committees, and work with fellow legislators to address issues affecting District 23, which includes parts of Martin and Edgecombe counties.  Her background as a local entrepreneur and her stated focus on education, health care, and small\u2011business support suggest the areas she may prioritize while in office.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Patricia Smith (North Carolina) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Patricia_Smith_(North_Carolina))\n- [10] [North Carolina elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/North_Carolina_elections,_2026)\n- [14] [2026 North Carolina House of Representatives election - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_North_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_election)\n- [15] [2026 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_North_Carolina)\n- [16] [Vote Smart | Facts For All](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/35452/patricia-smith)\n- [20] [Williamston residents seek N.C. House seat | News | reflector.com](https://www.reflector.com/enterprise/news/local/williamston-residents-seek-n-c-house-seat/article_a573d232-c3ca-41cb-af93-100074a9ed59.html)","campaigns":[{"contest":"state_house_023","county":"beaufort","county_count":12,"electiondate":"Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"NC","title":"Nc House Of Representatives District 023"},{"contest":"state_house_023","county":null,"county_count":0,"electiondate":"Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"NC","title":"Nc House Of Representatives District 023"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Patricia","fullname":"Patricia Smith","lastname":"Smith","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"state_house_023","contest_title":"Nc House Of Representatives District 023","county":"beaufort","county_count":12,"electiondate":"2026-11-03","office_county":null,"office_key":"state_house","office_title":"State Representative","party":"DEM","pgr":"general","state":"NC"},{"contest":"state_house_023","contest_title":"Nc House Of Representatives District 023","county":null,"county_count":0,"electiondate":"2026-03-03","office_county":null,"office_key":"state_house","office_title":"State Representative","party":"DEM","pgr":"general","state":"NC"}],"county":null,"cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"state_house_023","contest_title":"Nc House Of Representatives District 023","county":null,"county_count":0,"electiondate":"2026-03-03","office_county":null,"office_key":"state_house","office_title":"State Representative","party":"DEM","pgr":"general","state":"NC"},"party":"DEM","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"state_house","office_title":"State Representative","state":"NC","terms":[]}],"summary":"Patricia Smith is the Democratic nominee for North Carolina House District 23, a former entrepreneur who defeated incumbent Shelly Willingham in the 2026 primary and focuses on education, health care, and small\u2011business support.","terms":[],"token":"6471c6d38eb4ae9e"}