Don Davis in tough re-election fight after redistricting – Spectrum News

Don Davis in tough re-election fight after redistricting  Spectrum News

One of the most closely watched congressional races in the country is happening in eastern North Carolina. Democratic Rep. Don Davis is in perhaps his toughest re-election fight yet after state Republican lawmakers redrew the congressional map to make it harder for him to win. Last year Republican state lawmakers redrew the congressional map before the census to elect more Republicans. One of their goals was unseating Davis, who represents the 1st Congressional District. Davis’ district lost Democratic areas like Wilson and Kinston and picked up Republican areas like the Outer Banks and Craven County, making the district much harder for him to win. “We get so many who are confused about the congressional districts all the time,” Davis told Spectrum News 1 in a September interview in New Bern.

“Representation matters and that we’re putting eastern North Carolina first. This is who I am. Our families have to be put first. I’ve not forgotten where I’ve come from, who I am,” Davis said. He’s being challenged by Republican Laurie Buckhout, a rematch of 2024. Buckhout’s campaign declined multiple requests by Spectrum News 1 for an interview. During a rally with President Donald Trump in North Carolina last month she said, “I’m running because I’m sick of career politicians, and I’m a warrior.” Buckhout is a retired Army colonel who