GOP Has A New Winner
Retired Army Colonel Laurie Buckhout, a former Pentagon cyber policy official, has won the Republican primary in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, according to projections from Decision Desk HQ.
Buckhout defeated four GOP challengers—Asa Buck, Robert Hanig, Eric Rouse, and Ashley-Nicole Russell—to secure the Republican nomination. Her victory sets the stage for a closely watched November general election against incumbent Democratic Rep. Don Davis.
The race will be a rematch of the 2024 contest, when Davis narrowly held onto the seat by less than two percentage points, making it one of the most competitive congressional races in North Carolina.
Military Experience and National Security Background
Buckhout enters the race with a long record of military service and national security experience.
She spent 26 years serving in the United States Army, ultimately retiring with the rank of colonel. During her military career, she specialized in operations involving electronic warfare and cyber strategy, areas that have become increasingly important in modern national defense.
In 2024, Buckhout briefly served as acting assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy, where she helped oversee Pentagon strategy on digital warfare and cybersecurity threats.
After leaving active duty in 2010, she founded a consulting firm that advises organizations on cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and emerging defense technologies.
Campaign Message Emphasizes “America First” Priorities
During the primary campaign, Buckhout highlighted her conservative credentials and support for President Donald Trump, describing herself as an “America First conservative and a proven leader.”
Her campaign message has focused heavily on issues such as border security, national defense, economic growth, and protecting American interests overseas—priorities that resonate strongly with many voters in eastern North Carolina.
Incumbent Democrat Don Davis Seeks Third Term
Buckhout will face Rep. Don Davis, a moderate Democrat who is seeking a third term in Congress.
Davis previously served in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of captain before entering politics. He has represented the district since 2023 and narrowly defeated Buckhout in their last matchup.
However, the political dynamics of the race have changed due to recent redistricting in North Carolina.
Redistricting Reshapes the 1st Congressional District
The Republican-controlled North Carolina General Assembly approved a new congressional map last fall as part of a broader nationwide redistricting debate that began in Texas.
Under the new boundaries, the 1st Congressional District now includes Dare, Carteret, Craven, Hyde, Pamlico and Beaufort counties. These counties were previously located in the 3rd District, currently represented by Republican Rep. Greg Murphy.
Meanwhile, several counties that had long been part of the 1st District—Wilson, Wayne, Greene, and Lenoir—were moved into the 3rd District.
The changes could significantly alter the political makeup of the region heading into the upcoming election.
Analysts Say District Now Leans Republican
Political analysts believe the new map could give Republicans an advantage in the race.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report now rates North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District as “Lean Republican.”
Republicans currently hold 10 of the state’s 14 congressional seats, giving the GOP a strong presence in the state’s delegation.
With the district’s new boundaries and a competitive rematch on the horizon, the Buckhout-Davis race is expected to draw significant national attention ahead of November’s election.
