Democrats say GOP Congressman Murphy’s seat in Third District is in play

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee says the Third District could be facing major change in next year’s midterm elections.

“Republicans in this redistricting battle, to save a flailing and dwindling House majority, have drawn Greg Murphy into a seat that is much more competitive,” DCCC’s Southern Regional Press Secretary Madison Andrus says.

Last month, judges allowed the state to redraw congressional maps aimed at flipping a seat to Republicans in the state’s only swing seat.

The new map gave the First District, represented by Democrat Congressman Don Davis, six GOP-leaning counties.

Four counties that were in the First District moved into the Third District, represented by Republican Congressman Greg Murphy.

Now, Andrus says the committee believes the Third District could lean Democratic next year and replace Murphy in his seat.

“It’s going to be significantly harder on him,” Andrus says. “He’s not used to this kind of challenge. He’s used to just sailing by in a very friendly district.”

Pitt County residents, who are also members of the Third District, say the ultimate decision will be in the hands of the voters.

“I think the people of Greenville, if they feel a certain type of way and want things to be changed, should go vote for the person that they think will do that.” Lorenzo Ardalan says.

Andrus says the DCCC is working hard on recruitment to provide the best candidate possible to challenge Murphy in the Third District.

WITN reached out to Murphy’s office for a comment, but they have not responded.