1st Congressional rematch one of most-watched US House races
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina's 1st Congressional District is expected to be the state's most competitive U.S. House race this election cycle, drawing national attention as Democratic Rep. Don Davis and Republican challenger Laurie Buckhout face off in a rematch of their closely contested 2024 race.
With Republicans holding a narrow majority in the U.S. House, both parties view the eastern North Carolina district as a critical battleground. The stakes have grown even higher after the General Assembly redrew the district's boundaries, changes that political analysts say make the district more favorable to Republicans.
"This is one of the most important races in the country," House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said in an exclusive interview with ABC11 following a campaign stop with Buckhout. Scalise, who referred to Buckhout as "a passionate conservative," has traveled the country to appear with candidates and speak with voters.
"There's really only 35 seats total out of 435 that are considered these swing competitive districts," Scalise said. "And this is one of the most razor thin districts there is."
According to Cook Political Report, the district is rated as "Leans Republican."
In 2024, Davis defeated Buckhout by just over 6,000 votes. The district also voted for President Donald Trump, making it one of the most closely watched split-ticket districts in the nation.
The newly-drawn map has changed which counties are included in the district, meaning both candidates are introducing themselves to voters who did not participate in the congressional contest two years ago.
"It has actually been very rewarding," Buckhout said. "A lot of fun meeting some really, really wonderful people. They are more Republican leaning counties down there. They've been very welcoming."
Buckhout, who worked on cybersecurity issues in the second term of the Trump administration, won a crowded Republican primary in March. She has centered much of her campaign on economic development and job growth in eastern North Carolina.
"I think the most important part is that eastern North Carolina has never really had a jobs champion," Buckhout said. "Somebody who's interested in bringing work down here, introducing corporations and businesses and industries to eastern North Carolina."
She also highlighted agriculture as a priority.
Buckhout said she wants policies that make life easier for farmers.
"Farmers are really squeezed right now. It's a very hard way to make a living anyway," she said. "I'm fighting for farmers."
As a slate of progressive candidates have won primaries across the country, Republicans have worked to tie Davis to the left-wing flank of the Democratic party. HHowever, Davis has a reputation as one of the most moderate members of Congress. According to GovTrack, during the 2023-2024 session, Davis was listed as the "most politically right" member of the House Democrats, as he downplayed party labels.
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"It's not about Democrats or Republicans," Davis said. "It's about an independent voice being heard in Washington, D.C."
The congressman pointed to infrastructure projects he says have benefited communities across the district.
"I have a proven track record of delivering for (eastern Carolina), about $67 million in infrastructure projects," Davis said. "These are things that are helping small towns such as water projects, helping with our police departments."
Davis has also focused heavily on economic concerns facing residents.
"East North Carolinians are hurting right now," he said. "When we look at inflation, costs, so many people feel that they're at their wit's end because of pricing."
While the candidates offer competing visions for the district, both share military backgrounds and have made veterans and military families a major focus of their campaigns.
"We need people, I think, who understand that, who can actually approach the VA from an even better point of view to help with that, and to look at outsourcing care as well so that veterans can get different care, more innovative care, especially for PTSD and TBI, then they're able to get right now. I'm looking forward to working in tandem with the (Trump) administration," Buckhout said.
Davis highlighted his work on military-related legislation and support for service members.
"My first bill passed in Congress was dealing with enhancing the caregiver program," Davis said. "These are real beneficial programs that are helping families, especially as we look at the veteran population we have in eastern North Carolina."
Campaign spending is also expected to be significant. According to AdImpact Politics, $38.5 million was spent on general-election advertising in the district during the 2024 cycle, a figure that could be surpassed this year.
