Patricia Smith
Candidate for State Representative, 23rd District
Background
- Occupation
- Accountant; minister
- Lives in
- Williamston
Accountant for more than 41 years and a minister; treasurer of the Martin County Democratic Party. Defeated Rep. Shelly Willingham in the March 2026 Democratic primary.
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Supports passing a state budget to fund local needs.
ReportQ&A: Accountant unseats a swing-vote NC House incumbent, will bolster Stein's vetoInterview · WUNC · Mar 13, 2026 · wunc.org
“First of all, we’ve got to get a budget.”
Education
Opposes letting school staff carry concealed guns.
Asked about the incumbent's vote to let some private school employees carry concealed guns on campus.
ReportQ&A: Accountant unseats a swing-vote NC House incumbent, will bolster Stein's vetoInterview · WUNC · Mar 13, 2026 · wunc.org
“He just voted to put guns into the school systems, and so where does that leave the safety of our children?”
Economy & jobs
Opposes utility practices that raise customers' costs.
Asked about a Duke Energy-backed bill removing some carbon reduction targets; she said she supports economic development that does not create health hazards.
ReportQ&A: Accountant unseats a swing-vote NC House incumbent, will bolster Stein's vetoInterview · WUNC · Mar 13, 2026 · wunc.org
“I don't agree with things that are going to be price gouging that's going to cost us more money.”
Health & human services
Supports prioritizing hospital access in Martin County.
She said the issue has been put on the back burner and that residents travel far distances for care.
ReportQ&A: Accountant unseats a swing-vote NC House incumbent, will bolster Stein's vetoInterview · WUNC · Mar 13, 2026 · wunc.org
“Martin County is operating without a hospital”
All sources (5)
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing (Bertie County offices and districts)
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing (Edgecombe County offices and districts)
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing (Martin County offices and districts)
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- Q&A: Accountant unseats a swing-vote NC House incumbent, will bolster Stein's veto
Interview · WUNC · Mar 13, 2026 · wunc.org
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.