Democrat Don Davis is projected to keep his House seat and defeat Republican challenger Laurie Buckhout in the race for North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
Our results partner Decision Desk HQ projected the race in Davis' favor over Buckhout. DDHQ projects the win will be narrow — as of Wednesday afternoon, Davis had a 1.5-percent lead.
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Buckhout announced interest in a potential recount in a release sent to News 3 overnight Wednesday, but has since conceded and congratulated Rep. Don Davis on his reelection.
She released the following statement:
"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! It was an honor and privilege to campaign to serve the people of Eastern North Carolina."
"Don Davis ran a spirited campaign, and I congratulated him on his hard-fought victory earlier today. While Don and I have different visions, it is obvious to everyone he cares about this district.
"We have to get our economy back on track and we have to secure our border. Congressman Davis said the same during this campaign and I hope he will work with the Trump Administration to help make this happen. The people of Eastern North Carolina deserve no less.
"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."
Davis, an Air Force veteran, was born and raised in Snow Hill, N.C. His political career began when he became the town’s mayor. He went on to serve in the North Carolina State Senate before being elected to Congress in 2022.
Buckhout, a retired Army colonel, grew up in Virginia but now lives in Edenton. She founded a strategic consulting business, which she sold in 2019. This was her first time running for office, and she describes herself as a "committed constitutional conservative."
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Analysts said the N.C. 1st District race was the only competitive congressional race in the state, one of the few toss-ups in the Southeast, and a key for determining the balance of power in the Washington.
The district, located in the northeastern part of the state, stretches from Vance to Washington counties, west to east, and from the Virginia border down to Wayne County.
A Republican hasn’t represented the the 1st District since the late 1800s. However, when the state’s congressional map was redrawn by Republican lawmakers last year, it became more competitive, analysts say.
