Davis Re-Elected In 1st Congressional District

By Katherine Zehnder
Carolina Journal

Democratic incumbent Rep. Don Davis was re-elected to his second term following the concession of Laurie Buckhout, the Republican nominee for the first congressional district.

“My deep passion lies in fighting for the families of Eastern North Carolina,” said Davis in a press release. “I’m wholeheartedly dedicated to understanding and addressing the challenges and aspirations of everyday citizens in our community, and I genuinely appreciate all of our incredible supporters.”

Davis was re-elected to his second term with 49.46% of the vote and almost 185,000 votes, while Republican nominee Laurie Buckhout at 47.9% with 179,167 votes. Libertarian candidate Tom Bailey received nearly 10,000 votes at 2.63% of the vote.

“Thank you to the voters of North Carolina’s First Congressional District. I’ve spent my life fighting for our country, fighting to defend our Constitution, and yes, fighting for extraordinary great Americans just like all of you!” said Buckhout in a press release. “It was an honor and privilege to campaign to serve the people of Eastern North Carolina.”

She congratulated Davis on running a “spirited campaign” and his “hard-fought victory.”

“While Don and I have different visions, it is obvious to everyone he cares about this district,” continued Buckhout.

She emphasized the importance of the economy and securing the border, echoing Davis’s comments during his campaign. Buckhout acknowledged her hope that Davis would work with President-Elect Donald Trump’s administration to accomplish those goals.

“President Donald Trump has stood strong for working families, and I am glad to know President Trump will once again be in the White House fighting hard for an American First Agenda that protects and promotes American jobs as the top priority,” said Buckhout.

“Buckhout’s concession closes the door on an election that saw North Carolina’s US House delegation shift from an even 7-7 split between the two major parties to a 10-4 split favoring Republicans,” said Mitch Kokai, senior political analyst for the John Locke Foundation. “Observers expected a new map drafted for the 2024 election cycle to shift at least three congressional seats to the GOP. A Buckhout win over Davis would have flipped a fourth seat from blue to red.”

In Tuesday’s congressional races, all eight incumbents other than Davis won re-election. Republicans Greg Murphy (78%), Virginia Foxx (60%), David Rouzer (59%), Richard Hudson (56%), and Chuck Edwards (57%) joined Democrats Deborah Ross (66%), Valerie Foushee (72%), and Alma Adams (74%) in winning new two-year terms.

“The net gain of three seats will help Republicans in Washington, DC, as they attempt to maintain control of Congress’s lower chamber in 2025,” continued Kokai. “The partisan split in the US House remained unclear Wednesday as some states continued to tally election results.”

Five new Republican members will join North Carolina’s congressional delegation. In the Sixth District, Addison McDowell won 69% of the vote. Mark Harris won 60% of the vote in District Eight. Pat Harrigan won with 58% of the vote in District 10. Brad Knott secured 59% of the vote in District 13. Outgoing state House Speaker Tim Moore won 58% of the vote in District 14.

“As I prepare to continue my service in the 119th Congress of the US House of Representatives, I eagerly look forward to working with colleagues from both parties and the newly elected Administration,” said Davis. “Together, we can strive towards meaningful solutions that bring the American Dream back into the reach of our families.”