--- title: "Davis vs. Buckhout: 2026 North Carolina’s 1st District race" url: "https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-nc-01" updated: "2026-10-07" source: "Candidates' campaign sites and Ballotpedia, quoted verbatim" publisher: "Pluribus" --- # 2026 North Carolina’s 1st District race: Donald Davis (D) vs. Laurie Buckhout (R) Rating: Toss-up · Election: November 3, 2026 · Ballot checked: October 9, 2026 · Positions captured: October 7, 2026 The general election for North Carolina's 1st Congressional District features a rematch between Democratic incumbent Donald Davis and Republican challenger Laurie Buckhout. Following state redistricting in October 2025, NC-01 shifted from a slightly Democratic-leaning baseline to an R+8 district where Donald Trump won 55.4% to 43.8% in 2024. The race hinges on economic conditions in eastern North Carolina, border enforcement, rural infrastructure, and district realignment under the new map. ## Candidates - **Donald Davis** (Democrat) · [Campaign site](https://votedondavis.com) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) - **Laurie Buckhout** (Republican) · [Campaign site](https://www.lauriebuckhoutforcongress.com/) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) ## Issues ### Cost of living and the economy Salience: high Davis focuses on targeted federal investments and programs to lower healthcare, drug, and housing costs while voting against Republican budget packages, whereas Buckhout blames Democratic spending for inflation and advocates tax cuts and spending reductions. **Donald Davis:** Focuses on lowering family living costs Davis prioritizes lowering daily costs for working families across eastern North Carolina, including gas, groceries, housing, and healthcare. He supports job creation in manufacturing, workforce training, and small business growth in rural areas. His record includes votes against Republican debt-limit and budget packages. - Voted Nay on H.R.1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) in 2025 - Voted Nay on the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 - Advocates for creating manufacturing jobs and attracting new investment to rural communities > “Families across eastern North Carolina are feeling the pain of increased gas prices, higher grocery bills, and rising healthcare costs.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) > “Don Davis is working to make life more affordable, expand opportunity, and deliver real results for our coastal and rural communities.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) **Laurie Buckhout:** Promises tax cuts and spending restraint Buckhout blames Democratic policies for inflation and promises to lower the cost of living by cutting taxes and curtailing federal spending. As a former small business owner, she advocates balancing the federal budget and bringing jobs back to rural communities. - Signed the Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayer Protection Pledge - Advocates balancing the federal budget and stopping reckless spending - Promises tax cuts to help working families get ahead > “Laurie will fight to cut taxes so hardworking families can get ahead.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) > “The Biden-Harris-Davis agenda created devastating inflation rates and made the cost of living unaffordable in Eastern North Carolina.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) ### Border security and immigration Salience: high Davis supports specific bipartisan statutory enforcement and detention bills in Congress, while Buckhout advocates building the border wall and reinstating Trump-era Remain in Mexico policies. **Donald Davis:** Supports targeted border and enforcement legislation Davis has broken with his party on select immigration and law enforcement votes, supporting mandatory detention for certain crimes and making DUI grounds for deportation. His record reflects support for targeted statutory enforcement measures. - Voted Yea on the Laken Riley Act (S.5) to require DHS detention of noncitizens arrested for burglary, theft, or shoplifting - Voted Yea on the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act of 2025 (H.R.875) to make driving while impaired grounds for deportation or inadmissibility > “required the Department of Homeland Security to detain certain individuals residing in the United States without legal permission who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) **Laurie Buckhout:** Advocates physical wall and strict enforcement Buckhout advocates for strict physical and statutory border security, including building the border wall and reinstating Trump-era policies. She framing border security as essential to national security and curbing illegal drug trafficking. - Advocates building the physical southern border wall - Calls for reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy - Focuses on providing border patrol agents resources to stop fentanyl trafficking > “Laurie Buckhout is a STRONG advocate for securing our border by building the wall and reimplementing the “Remain in Mexico” policies of the Trump Administration.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) > “Border security is national security.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) ### Military and veterans affairs Salience: high Both candidates are military veterans prioritizing veteran care, but Davis emphasizes expanding VA healthcare access and transition support, whereas Buckhout focuses heavily on defense investments to deter foreign adversaries like China and Russia. **Donald Davis:** Supports expanded veteran healthcare and VA services As a U.S. Air Force veteran, Davis prioritizes improving VA services, reducing healthcare delay times, and assisting service members transitioning to civilian life. He has secured funding for veterans with PTSD/TBI and voted in favor of national defense authorizations. - Voted Yea on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 - Secured $150,000 in state funding to support veterans suffering from PTSD/TBI - Pledges to improve VA healthcare and expand career training and housing assistance > “Don wore the uniform and understands the commitment required to serve our country.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) > “He believes that honoring our veterans means more than words, it means keeping our promises to those who have served our great nation.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) **Laurie Buckhout:** Advocates military readiness and veteran care As a retired Army Colonel and combat veteran, Buckhout stresses rebuilding defense readiness to deter international threats from China, Russia, and Iran. She promises to ensure veterans receive complete care and proper support upon returning home. - Calls for military investments to assert dominance against China, Russia, and Iran and defend allies like Israel - Promises to ensure veterans receive quality care through the VA system > “America has the greatest fighting force in the world, but we must fight to keep it that way.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) > “Our troops make immense sacrifices while bravely serving our nation. They deserve a strong leader in Congress who will fight to ensure they receive the very best care when their mission is complete.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) ### Agriculture, fisheries, and rural infrastructure Salience: medium Davis emphasizes federal infrastructure investments like securing over $1 billion for rural broadband, while Buckhout highlights cutting federal regulations on farmers and fishermen. **Donald Davis:** Prioritizes rural broadband and farm infrastructure Davis stresses federal infrastructure investments for rural eastern North Carolina, securing substantial funds for high-speed internet and rural facilities. He works with agricultural producers and supports rural health centers. - Secured over $1 billion to expand high-speed broadband internet access in North Carolina - Works with the USDA to assist family farms and agricultural businesses - Focuses on supporting rural hospitals and health facilities > “Don Davis has helped secure millions in infrastructure investments for eastern North Carolina because strong communities depend on strong infrastructure.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) > “He's working to support rural hospitals, strengthen family farms, and expand reliable high-speed internet so families, students, and businesses can succeed in every corner of our region.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) **Laurie Buckhout:** Promises regulatory relief for farmers and fishermen Having grown up on a farm, Buckhout pledges to champion eastern North Carolina's multigenerational farmers, fishermen, and seafood industries. She promises to reduce federal regulations that hamper rural producers. - Pledges to protect multigenerational farmers, fishermen, and seafood producers from federal overreach - Commitment to cut unnecessary regulations on agricultural and coastal industries > “Growing up on a farm, Laurie understands the struggles of the agriculture industry firsthand.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) > “She’s committed to cutting unnecessary regulations and ensuring these communities have the resources they need to thrive for generations to come.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) ### Technology, AI, and digital innovation Salience: medium Davis voted to create a federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, whereas Buckhout calls for cutting tech regulations to outcompete China in artificial intelligence and digital assets. **Donald Davis:** Supports regulatory frameworks for digital assets Davis voted to establish a statutory regulatory framework for payment stablecoins in the 119th Congress. - Voted Yea on the GENIUS Act (S.1582) establishing a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins > “created a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, digital assets with a fixed redeemable value.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) **Laurie Buckhout:** Supports deregulation to dominate AI and digital assets Drawing on her background as Assistant National Cyber Director for Policy, Buckhout champions cutting regulations to win the artificial intelligence race against China. She advocates pro-growth rules for digital assets and unleashing domestic energy to power tech development. - Served as Assistant National Cyber Director for Policy in Trump's administration - Pledges to cut regulations so the U.S. dominates China in AI - Supports clear, pro-growth rules for digital assets to keep tech innovation in America > “We need to slash the regulations strangling American innovation and unleash American energy to power our tech sector.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) > “Under my watch, America will dominate AI, not China.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) ### Abortion and reproductive rights Salience: medium Davis advocates for codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law, whereas Buckhout pledges to protect the right to life. **Donald Davis:** Supports codifying federal abortion rights Davis views healthcare decisions as private choices between a woman and her doctor. He supports federal legislation to codify Roe v. Wade and works to reduce maternal mortality rates in eastern North Carolina. - Supports federal legislation to codify Roe v. Wade - Focuses on reducing high maternal mortality rates, particularly among African American women in eastern North Carolina > “Congress must take action to codify Roe v. Wade and protect women’s constitutional rights across the country.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) > “He knows that a woman’s health decisions should be between her and her doctor.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) **Laurie Buckhout:** Opposes abortion and supports life protections Buckhout lists protecting the right to life as a fundamental commitment on her conservative platform. - Includes protecting the right to life among her primary campaign commitments > “Protect the right to life” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) ### Healthcare Salience: medium Davis proposes specific measures like lower drug prices, pre-existing condition safeguards, and Medicaid expansion, whereas Buckhout broadly lists lower healthcare costs as an economic goal. **Donald Davis:** Supports lowering drug costs and expanding coverage Davis focuses on making healthcare accessible by lowering prescription drug prices, maintaining protections for pre-existing conditions, and eliminating lifetime coverage caps. He previously advocated for expanding Medicaid in North Carolina. - Advocates for lowering prescription drug prices and protecting pre-existing condition rules - Previously advocated for expanding Medicaid to over 500,000 North Carolinians during his time in the state senate - Focuses on reducing rural healthcare disparities in stroke, heart disease, and maternal health > “No one should lose or be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition, and no one fighting a serious illness should face the fear of lifetime coverage caps.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) > “Don Davis is fighting to lower prescription drug prices, make housing more affordable, and protect working families from price increases that hit their wallets the hardest.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) **Laurie Buckhout:** Supports lowering healthcare costs Buckhout includes lowering healthcare costs among her main goals for economic relief for working families in eastern North Carolina. - Identifies lowering healthcare costs as a priority for working families > “Families in Eastern North Carolina need a champion to fight for lower costs, better jobs, a stronger economy, and lower healthcare costs.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) ### Energy and environment Salience: low Davis opposes traditional energy expansion bills to emphasize environmental protections and climate resilience, while Buckhout calls for unleashing American energy by cutting regulations. **Donald Davis:** Supports environmental protections and climate resilience Davis highlights the risks posed by climate change to local farmers and advocates for clean air and water protections for rural communities. He voted against the Republican domestic energy package in the 118th Congress. - Voted Nay on the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R.1) in 2023 - Advocates for clean air and water protections for working-class and rural communities > “The climate crisis poses a massive threat to eastern North Carolina — especially our farmers who face increasingly unpredictable weather patterns due to global climate change.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) **Laurie Buckhout:** Supports unleashing domestic energy Buckhout advocates for unleashing domestic American energy production to lower costs and power technology innovation. - Calls for unleashing domestic energy production to power the tech sector and lower costs > “We need to slash the regulations strangling American innovation and unleash American energy to power our tech sector.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) ### Government accountability, elections, and ethics Salience: low Davis voted against strict federal proof-of-citizenship voting requirements, whereas Buckhout emphasizes government accountability but faces scrutiny over a prediction market betting fine. **Donald Davis:** Supports bipartisan governance and voter protections Davis emphasizes bipartisan governance and working across party lines to achieve results. In the 119th Congress, he voted against strict documentary proof of citizenship voter registration requirements. - Voted Nay on the SAVE Act (H.R.22) requiring documentary proof of citizenship for federal election registration - Signed the U.S. Term Limits Pledge > “Don believes results matter more than partisan politics. That's why he works with independents, Republicans, and Democrats, who are willing to put eastern North Carolina first.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) **Laurie Buckhout:** Supports government accountability and term limits Buckhout emphasizes government accountability and signed a term limits pledge. In August 2026, she faced scrutiny after receiving a fine and suspension from prediction market platform Kalshi for betting on her own election. - Signed the U.S. Term Limits Pledge - Fined $2,500 and suspended for three years by Kalshi on August 31, 2026, for placing bets on her own U.S. House campaign > “Kalshi issued a $2,500 fine and three-year suspension on its platform to Buckhout after she made bets on Kalshi related to her 2026 U.S. House of Representatives campaign.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) ### Gun rights and the Second Amendment Salience: medium Buckhout opposes new gun control regulations and vows to defend Second Amendment rights, while Davis has no documented stance in the provided sources. **Donald Davis:** No documented position in our sources **Laurie Buckhout:** Opposes new restrictions on gun ownership As a combat veteran, Buckhout strongly opposes gun control measures and vows to defend Second Amendment rights. She criticizes regulations that create red tape for law-abiding gun owners and hunters. - Opposes new firearm regulations and red tape on law-abiding gun owners - Pledges to defend regional hunting heritage and Second Amendment rights > “As a combat veteran, Laurie understands the vital importance of the right to keep and bear arms.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) > “She will stand strong against the extremists who mock our hunting heritage and would punish law-abiding gun owners with additional red tape.” > — Laurie Buckhout, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Laurie_Buckhout) ### Education Salience: medium Davis advocates for expanding public school funding and investments in HBCUs, whereas Buckhout has no documented education platform in the provided sources. **Donald Davis:** Supports public school and HBCU funding Drawing on over two decades as an educator, Davis advocates for strengthening public education, expanding early childhood programs, and making higher education and workforce training affordable. He secured significant funding for Elizabeth City State University. - Secured over $140 million for Elizabeth City State University, an HBCU - Fights to expand early childhood education and make college and workforce training affordable > “In Congress, he's fighting to strengthen our schools, expand early childhood education, make college and workforce training more affordable, and invest in the next generation of North Carolina's leaders.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) > “For Don, education is the key to stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger economy.” > — Donald Davis, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Davis) **Laurie Buckhout:** No documented position in our sources ## Polls and markets _Updated Oct 31._ - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/nc-01-house-election-winner) — NC-01 House Election Winner: Democrats 85.5%, Republicans 14.0% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/HOUSENC1-26) — NC-01 House winner?: Donald Davis 85.0%, Laurie Buckhout 16.0% [View this race on 2026election.com](https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-nc-01)