THE HWY 70 CONNECTOR: October 2026 Edition
Dear Neighbor,
There's something special about spending time at home in Eastern North Carolina. Whether it's visiting with old friends at the Moss Hill Elementary Harvest Festival, attending the Hookerton Family Fest in Greene County, talking with teachers in Lenoir County, or sitting down with folks in Maysville to hear what's on their minds, our communities have so much to offer.
We've also had some encouraging local developments. I was glad to attend the opening of the new Fleet Readiness Center East complex at the Global TransPark and visit Lenoir Community College's aviation training center. Both represent opportunities for people to build careers without having to leave Eastern North Carolina. And seeing hundreds of our fifth graders experience the North Carolina Symphony was another reminder of how important it is to invest in our young people.
Of course, I know families are also dealing with the rising cost of everyday necessities. This month's newsletter includes an update on my vote to suspend the state gas tax, along with information about property taxes and other proposals that will help make life more affordable for working families.
With Election Day coming up this Tuesday, November 3, you'll also find information about voting locations and the issues on this year's ballot.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties. These communities have been my home my entire life, and I appreciate every conversation, every visit, and every chance to hear directly from the people I represent.
At your service,
Chris Humphrey
State Representative
A PERSONAL MESSAGE...
Friends,
Eastern North Carolina is home. I was born and raised here. I earned my Eagle Scout here and started at Lenoir Community College. I raised our girls right here in Kinston. Before I ever went to Raleigh, I served you on the La Grange Town Council and spent eight years as your Lenoir County Commissioner.
So when I hear from families in Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties who are stretched thin by prices at the pump, at the grocery store, and on their tax bills — I take it personally. These are my neighbors.
That’s why I voted to SUSPEND the state gas tax. I voted to LOWER your income taxes. And I voted to STOP surprise property tax hikes, so nobody has to worry about being taxed out of the home they’ve worked so hard for.
I’ve stood with you after the floods and storms, and I’ve fought to bring disaster relief, rural broadband, and good jobs back home to our communities. That work isn’t finished, and I’d be honored to keep doing it for you.
On Tuesday, November 3, I’m asking for your vote. Polls are open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Please don’t stay home. Bring a neighbor, bring your family, and make your voice heard.
📍 FIND YOUR VOTING SITE: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/PPLkup/
Thank you for letting me serve the place we all love.
— Chris
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES VISITS US IN KINSTON, NC
It was great to welcome the Vice President of the United States JD Vance to Lenoir County! With just days left in this election, it means a lot to our community to have such a large campaign rally right here at the Kinston Regional Jetport.
Thank you to everyone who continues to show up, volunteer, and support our campaign for re-election. I’m grateful for the encouragement and support from folks across Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties.
REMINDER: Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd — and every vote matters! If you haven’t voted early, make a plan to get to the polls and make your voice heard. Thank you for your continued support!
MOSS HILL ELEMENTARY HARVEST FESTIVAL
Some places just have a way of taking you back in time.
I had a wonderful time at the Moss Hill Elementary Harvest Festival, seeing old friends and reminiscing about some of the best days of growing up in Lenoir County.
It warms my heart to see the love and support this community continues to give that old brick schoolhouse, surrounded by farmland and moss-covered trees in God’s country.
The years may pass, but the memories and friendships made at Moss Hill will always hold a special place in my heart.
NC SYMPHONY'S EDUCATION CONCERT FOR LENOIR AND GREENE COUNTY STUDENTS
It was a pleasure to join 500 fifth graders from Lenoir and Greene counties for the North Carolina Symphony’s Education Concert at the Kinston High School's Performing Arts Center!
Music education gives students an opportunity to learn, explore their creativity, and experience the arts in a meaningful way. Thank you to Lenoir County Public Schools, Superintendent Brent Williams, conductor Joseph Peters, and the North Carolina Symphony for making this special experience possible for our local students!
RIBBON-CUTTING FOR NEW STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION IN KINSTON
I was honored to attend the ribbon cutting for the new State Employees' Credit Union location on Hill Farm Road in Kinston — alongside the Mayor, City Council, Lenoir County Commissioners, and business leaders from across the area.
Congratulations to SECU on this beautiful new facility and thank you for your continued investment in our community!
NC RURAL CENTER'S LISTENING TOUR IN MAYSVILLE
It was an honor to spend time with folks at the NC Rural Center’s Listening Tour in Maysville! I’m always glad to see rural communities have the opportunity to share their concerns, ideas, and priorities directly with those working to shape policy across our state.
Maysville was the final stop on this year’s 10-location tour, hosted at the town’s newly renovated Town Hall. The conversations will help inform the Rural Center’s 2027 policy platform and discussions at the 2027 Rural Summit.
I know how important it is to listen to the people who live and work in our rural communities. Their voices matter — and I’m grateful to have been part of this conversation!
BREAKFAST ON THE BOAT ABOARD THE CSS NEUSE II IN KINSTON
Enjoyed “Breakfast on the Boat” aboard the CSS Neuse II in Kinston! Thank you to the volunteers and organizers who help preserve our local history and make Kinston such a special place. I’m proud to support tourism and historic preservation in our community!
SUSPENDING THE STATE GAS TAX
The N.C. General Assembly recently took action to suspend the state’s $0.41/gallon gas tax and waives penalties on dyed diesel fuel for our farmers and agribusinesses — and I was proud to vote YES.
I’ll always fight to keep more money in your wallet and support our agriculture industry.
If you have concerns about whether a gas station is passing along the tax savings, NCDOJ has a resource where you can learn more and file a complaint:
MEET & GREET EVENT IN GREENE COUNTY
What a great crowd last night in the Lizzie Crossroads community of Greene County as we head into the home stretch of our re-election campaign!
A big thank you to Rory and Katie Wood for hosting us and to everyone who came out to show their support. Katie even treated us to some delicious homemade vegetable soup. Yum!
It was great having Representative Jeff McNeely, Senator Buck Newton, Greene County Sheriff Matt Sasser, and Lenoir County Commissioner-elect BJ Murphy join us. We were also proud to be joined by Greene County Commissioners Jerry Jones, Derek Burress, and Ray Johnson.
I am truly blessed to serve the wonderful people of Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties. Your friendship, encouragement, and support mean more than you know.
Remember, early voting ends this Saturday at 3 PM — and Election Day is this coming Tuesday, November 3. Get out and vote to make sure your voice is heard.
God bless, and thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you! 🇺🇸
ENDORSED BY NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, NC CHAPTER
I’m honored to be endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business, North Carolina chapter. Small businesses play such an important role in our local economy, and I understand how important it is to keep costs manageable, remove unnecessary barriers, and create an environment where businesses can put down roots and grow.
Thank you to NFIB and its members for recognizing my commitment to North Carolina’s small business community.
AFFORDABILITY AMENDMENTS
Taxpayer protections should last beyond the next budget debate. On November 3, North Carolinians can strengthen our Constitution with a 3.5% income tax cap and a requirement to limit local property tax increases. These amendments have my support, and I hope they’ll earn your vote!
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S SENATOR JIM PERRY AVIATION CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
Always great to visit Lenoir Community College’s Senator Jim Perry Aviation Center for Excellence in Kinston! I enjoyed joining North Carolina Community Colleges Acting President Dr. Monty Sullivan and fellow state leaders for a look at the incredible aviation training opportunities available to students right here in Eastern North Carolina.
Programs like these are preparing the next generation of skilled workers and strengthening our region’s economy. Thank you to LCC President Dr. Rusty Hunt and his team for the warm welcome!
ENDORSED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association! Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe — and they deserve our support. I’ll continue standing with them and fighting to ensure they have the resources they need to protect and serve. Thank you for your trust and support!
"OUR NEXT 250" EVENT IN GREENE COUNTY
It was an honor to speak at “Our Next 250: Crossing the Finish Line in the Mid-Terms” in Greene County! Thank you to the organizers for bringing together community leaders, candidates, and members of the public for an evening focused on the future of North Carolina and our country.
I’m always grateful for the opportunity to connect with folks in Greene County and share updates on the work I’m doing in Raleigh to serve the people of Eastern North Carolina.
ENDORSED BY THE LENOIR COUNTY FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
Thanks you to the local members of the Lenoir County Fraternal Order of Police for their endorsement in this year’s upcoming election.
MEETING WITH EDUCATION LEADERS IN LENOIR COUNTY
It was a pleasure to join Congressman Greg Murphy, and Senator Bob Brinson at Woodington Middle School, along with County Commissioner Mac Daughety, Commissioner-Elect BJ Murphy, and Lenoir County School Board members Jonathan Britt, Michelle Davis, and John Wiggins, to meet with teachers, principals, and educators from across Lenoir County.
I’m always grateful for the opportunity to listen to the people serving our students every day and discuss how we can continue supporting strong schools and communities. Thank you to Lenoir County Public Schools for hosting us!
OPENING THE NEW FLEET READINESS CENTER EAST COMPLEX AT THE GLOBAL TRANSPARK
It was great to join state, local, and military leaders for the opening of the new Fleet Readiness Center East complex at the Global TransPark in Kinston.
I was proud to partner with former Senator Jim Perry to secure the state investment that helped make this project possible. With more than 400 highly skilled jobs expected, this facility will strengthen our military readiness and create new opportunities for families across Eastern North Carolina.
📸 Credit: Neuse News
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