Buckhout wins GOP primary, setting up high‑stakes rematch with Rep. Don Davis
EDENTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- In Eastern North Carolina, the stage is set for a rematch of a November 2024 contest.
Retired Army Colonel Laurie Buckhout was projected as winner of Republican primary in the first congressional district by capturing nearly 40 percent of the vote. Buckhout's percentages are well above the 30-percent threshold required under North Carolina law to avoid a runoff.
Buckhout, a decorated combat veteran and Bronze Star recipient, will now face off again against Democratic incumbent Don Davis in the November general election. The two faced off in November 2024 that resulted in Davis emerging as the winner by less than two percentage points in one of the tightest House races in the country.
However, this year's rematch will look different. Republican mapmakers redrew the district last year in an effort to make it significantly more favorable to the GOP.
In Tuesday's primary, Davis ran unopposed. His campaign said he would be spending the evening in Washington D.C. and watching the results as they come in.
"At this point, we can only focus on what we can focus on. They already made their plans to make things," said voter Kamiya Battle. "They're redrawing the margins in different states as well. We can only show up and do what we can do to make things happen."
"I'm not worried about Democrat or Republican," added Erin Pace of Rocky Mount. "I just do the best I can."
With Buckhout as the clear winner, Davis now faces a much steeper climb to hold onto his seat.
Buckhout released a statement shortly after ABC News projected her as winner that read in part, "I spent my career as a U.S. Army Colonel leading troops in combat and defending this country. Now I'm ready to take that same mission-first leadership to Washington - to stand up to weak politicians like Don Davis and fight for safer communities, a stronger economy, and the people of Eastern North Carolina."
The winner of November's general election between Buckhout and Davis could ultimately have an impact on the balance of power for the U.S. House in Washington.
