Republican Army veteran Laurie Buckhout is setting her sights on a congressional seat in North Carolina, aiming to unseat Democratic Representative Don Davis.
This move comes as the GOP targets the district for a potential flip in the upcoming midterm elections. Buckhout, who previously served in a cyber role under President Donald Trump's administration, narrowly lost to Davis in the 2024 race by a margin of less than two percentage points.
With the state's Republican-controlled legislature having redrawn the congressional map, Davis now faces a more challenging landscape as his district leans more Republican.
As reported by the Daily Caller, Buckhout officially entered the race for North Carolina's newly-redrawn 1st congressional district on the final day for candidate filings for the 2026 elections. The district, characterized by its rural expanse from the northeastern part of the state to the Republican-leaning coast, has been a Democratic stronghold since 1883.
However, Buckhout is determined to change that. "Working families in North Carolina need a fighter who will stand with President [Donald] Trump and deliver results," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to securing the border, rebuilding the military, and prioritizing families.
In the 2024 election, President Trump carried Davis' district by three percentage points. The newly redrawn district, however, would have favored Trump by a much larger margin, suggesting a more favorable environment for Buckhout's campaign. Her previous run has granted her significant name recognition, and with Trump's endorsement in 2024, her campaign managed to raise nearly $5 million.
The Republican primary is shaping up to be competitive, with Buckhout facing contenders such as North Carolina state legislator Bobby Hanig, Lenoir County commissioner Eric Rouse, and Carteret County sheriff Asa Buck. Despite the crowded field, Buckhout's prior experience and recognition could give her an edge.
Meanwhile, Davis, who has announced his intention to seek reelection, is navigating a more challenging path due to the GOP-led redistricting. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report has rated the race as "Lean Republican," reflecting the district's shift. Roll Call has even labeled Davis as the "most vulnerable" House incumbent in the 2026 elections, highlighting the increased Republican tilt of his seat.
Davis has attempted to position himself as a moderate Democrat, supporting legislation to criminalize child sex change procedures, a move that drew criticism from House Minority Whip Katherine Clark. Additionally, Davis diverged from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to end a government shutdown in November, although he initially opposed funding the government in September.
President Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech in Rocky Mount, the largest city within the 1st district, to promote his administration's affordability agenda. This event underscores the significance of the district in the broader political landscape, as both parties vie for control in the upcoming elections.
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