1st Congressional rematch one of most-watched US House races
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The battle for the state's 1st Congressional District continues to draw national attention.
The race is a rematch of the 2024 election, with incumbent Democratic Congressman Don Davis and Republican Laurie Buckhout.
According to the Cook Political Report House ratings, NC-1 is expected to be the state's most competitive US House race.
Last year, the General Assembly voted to redraw the district, which analysts say is now more Republican-leaning.
With Republicans holding a slim majority in the US House, the race is viewed as critically important to both parties.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise hit the campaign trail in support of Buckhout. He sat down only with ABC11 to discuss its importance.
"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. And, I think the contrast, though, is more clear than you've ever seen."
In 2024, Davis narrowly defeated Buckhout before district lines were redrawn.
Both candidates discussed key issues in the race with ABC11.
For the eastern part of the state, farming is a major issue, Buckhout said.
"We need to vote for farmers and to vote to make their lives easier," Buckhout said. "The 'One Big Beautiful Bill' actually did a lot of that; repealing the death tax for farmers, making buying equipment easier, making the farm subsidies easier, and lower deductibles on their crop insurance, etc., because farmers are really squeezed right now. It's a very hard way to make a living anyway. So, I'm fighting for farmers."
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Davis mentioned the cost of living as a key issue.
East North Carolinians are hurting right now. When we look at inflation, costs, so many people feel that they're at their wit's end because of pricing," Davis said. "We see what's going on at the gas pumps, in the grocery stores. And when your salaries are not keeping pace with your expenses, it creates a real issue."
