North Carolina's 3rd Senate district is one of 50 districts in the North Carolina Senate. It has been represented by Republican Bob Brinson since 2025.
Geography Since 2023, the district has included all of Lenoir, Craven, and Beaufort counties. The district overlaps with the 3rd, 12th, 13th, and 79th house districts.
District officeholders since 1973 Senator Party Dates Notes Counties William Mills() Democratic January 1, 1973 – January 1, 1977 Redistricted from the 6th district. 1973–1983 All of Onslow County. Jerry Popkin() Democratic January 1, 1977 – January 1, 1979 William Mills() Democratic January 1, 1979 – January 1, 1983 Joseph Thomas() Democratic January 1, 1983 – January 1, 1987 Redistricted from the 2nd district. 1983–1993 All of Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties. Bill Barker() Democratic January 1, 1987 – January 1, 1991 Retired. Bev Perdue() Democratic January 1, 1991 – January 1, 2001 Retired to run for Lieutenant Governor. 1993–2003 All of Craven and Pamlico counties. Part of Carteret County. Scott Thomas() Democratic January 1, 2001 – January 1, 2003 Redistricted to the 2nd district. Clark Jenkins() Democratic January 1, 2003 – January 1, 2015 Lost re-nomination. 2003–2005 All of Edgecombe, Martin, Bertie, Washington, and Tyrrell counties. Part of Pitt County. 2005–2013 All of Edgecombe and Martin counties. Part of Pitt County. 2013–2019 All of Northampton, Hertford, Bertie, Chowan, Edgecombe, Martin, and Tyrrell counties. Erica Smith() Democratic January 1, 2015 – January 1, 2021Retired to run for U.S Senator. 2019–2023 All of Vance, Warren, Northampton, Bertie, Martin, and Beaufort counties. Ernestine Bazemore() Democratic January 1, 2021 – January 1, 2023 Lost re-nomination. Bobby Hanig() Republican January 1, 2023 – January 1, 2025 Redistricted from the 1st district. Redistricted to the 1st district. 2023–2025 All of Warren, Northampton, Halifax, Martin, Bertie, Hertford, Gates, Camden, Currituck, and Tyrrell counties. Bob Brinson() Republican January 1, 2025 – Present Redistricted from the 2nd district. 2025–Present All of Lenoir, Craven, and Beaufort counties.
Election results 2024
2022
2020
2018
2016
2014
2012
2010
2008
2006
2004
2002
2000
References