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Washington Today
By the People, for the People
Laurie Buckhout wins GOP primary in redrawn North Carolina district
Buckhout to face vulnerable Democratic Rep. Don Davis in November rematch
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Laurie Buckhout won the Republican primary on Tuesday in the redrawn North Carolina's 1st Congressional District, setting up a rematch against Democratic Rep. Don Davis in November. Davis is facing a tough reelection bid in a district that has leaned further to the right after several rounds of gerrymandering by state Republicans.
Why it matters
The 1st District race is seen as a key battleground in the 2026 midterm elections, with Davis considered one of the most vulnerable House Democrats. The redrawn district lines give Republicans an advantage, making Buckhout's primary win an important step in the GOP's efforts to flip the seat.
The details
Buckhout, a retired Army colonel, narrowly lost to Davis in the 2024 election, winning by less than two points. State Republicans approved another redrawn map last year to their advantage. Buckhout was up four percentage points against her closest primary challenger Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck in an early February poll, though her lead was within the margin of error. President Trump did not endorse a candidate in the GOP primary, which had five candidates.
- The primary election was held on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
- The 2024 election between Buckhout and Davis took place in November 2024.
- The North Carolina legislature redrew the congressional map in 2023 and again in 2025.
The players
Laurie Buckhout
A retired Army colonel who won the Republican primary in the redrawn North Carolina's 1st Congressional District.
Rep. Don Davis
The Democratic incumbent in the 1st District, considered one of the most vulnerable House Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Asa Buck
The Carteret County Sheriff who was Buckhout's closest challenger in the Republican primary.
What’s next
The general election between Buckhout and Davis will take place in November 2026.
The takeaway
The redrawn district lines in North Carolina's 1st Congressional District give Republicans an advantage, making Buckhout's primary win an important step in the GOP's efforts to flip the seat from the vulnerable Democratic incumbent, Rep. Don Davis.
