Former Kinston Mayor BJ Murphy Files for Lenoir County Commissioner, District 2

Lenoir County resident BJ Murphy officially filed today for Lenoir County Commissioner in District 2, which represents the Falling Creek and La Grange areas of Lenoir County. Murphy enters the race with more than two decades of business leadership and a long record of public service.

“Jessica and I are raising our girls right here in this district, and we want Lenoir County to be a place where families can afford to live, work, and build their futures,” Murphy said. “This campaign is about making sure county government respects taxpayers, strengthens law enforcement and emergency services, and helps create the conditions for real economic growth.”

Murphy, as Mayor of Kinston from 2009-2017, helped lower crime rates, reduce utility rates, and increase street resurfacing, all while maintaining stable tax rates. He says that experience matters as the county faces important financial and infrastructure decisions in the years ahead.

Nine years ago this week, Murphy founded Magic Mile Media. What started with a cell phone and an idea has grown into a digital communications company with six full-time employees and about a dozen part-time team members.

Murphy, a lifelong resident of Lenoir County, describes himself as a practical Republican who supports conservative financial principles and believes county commissioners must represent every resident of the district, while considering the impact on all Lenoir County citizens and taxpayers.

He notes that the recent property revaluations, property tax increase, volunteer fire department funding concerns, contractor payment dispute, prospect for job growth, and the bright future ahead all as reasons for his decision to run.

Murphy says his focus will include protecting taxpayers, supporting volunteer fire departments, strengthening school and workforce outcomes, and investing wisely in the long-term health of the local economy.

“The role of a county commissioner is to serve as one of seven stewards of our community,” Murphy said. “I am uniquely prepared to step in Day 1 and provide experience in local government, small business development, regional partnership cooperation, and financial accountability.”

A Primary Election, if necessary, will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026.

More information about Murphy's campaign is available at www.bjmurphy.org.


*BJ Murphy is a candidate for Lenoir County Commissioner, District 2, and the president of Magic Mile Media, Inc.