CURRITUCK COUNTY, N.C. — First-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis will be back for a second term. His challenger, Laurie Buckhout, conceded Wednesday afternoon, congratulating Davis and thanking her supporters.
"Thank you to the voters of North Carolina’s First Congressional District," Buckhout in her concession announcement. "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."
Largely rural and agricultural, NC-01 stretches from Currituck County all the way down to Lenoir County and is considered one of the top 10 House races to watch in the county.
Meredith College political science professor Dr. David McLennan told 13NewsNow before the election that the fact the district is so rural works in Davis's favor.
"He's running in a district that is fairly moderate. It doesn't have any big cities," McLennan told 13News Now.
Davis was criticized by members of his own party for some of his moderate moves. He voted for a resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris for her role in the Biden administration’s border policy.
The district's political landscape is a bit different for Davis compared to when he defeated Republican opponent Sandy Smith in 2022. Last year, the GOP-controlled state legislature added a handful of conservative-leaning counties to the district, making it less blue than it once was.
Davis was born and raised in Snow Hill and has held various political positions in the region, including as his hometown's mayor and a state senator. He also is a U.S. Air Force veteran.
Buckhout served in the U.S. Army for more than 25 years before retiring and starting a Virginia-based military technology consulting company. She sold the company and moved to Edenton a few years ago.
"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," she said in her concession.
Davis thanked said he appreciated supporters in a statement he released after Buckhout's concession.
"My deep passion lies in fighting for the families of eastern North Carolina," he said. "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."