RALEIGH — Democratic incumbent Don Davis will be retaining his 1st District Congressional seat after his Republican challenger Laurie Buckhout conceded their race Wednesday afternoon.
The race had been very tight throughout the night and looked like it might head for a recount, and Buckhout did not initially concede. When the final batch of votes came in, Davis’ lead was more than the 1% margin needed to trigger a possible recount.
“Thank you to the voters of North Carolina’s First Congressional District,” Buckhout said in her concession statement. “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.
“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.”
Buckhout added she hopes Davis will work with the Trump administration to get the economy and border situation “back on track.”
Davis posted a statement on X about his successful reelection to a second term.
“As I prepare to continue my service in the 119th Congress of the U.S. House of Representatives, I eagerly look forward to working with colleagues from both parties and the newly elected Administration,” Davis said. “Together, we can strive towards meaningful solutions that bring the American Dream back into the reach of our families. Thank you, eastern North Carolina, and I look forward to serving us again.”
Davis also posted, he “sincerely appreciated the call and commend Col @lauriebuckhout for her service to our nation.”
Davis is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate (1994) and was a commissioned officer in the Air Force for eight years. He has been a past assistant professor of aerospace studies at East Carolina University Air Force ROTC Detachment 600, during which time he taught “national security affairs, military history, and leadership courses.”
Various bios for Davis indicate he was born and raised in Snow Hill, but unearthed records show he spent his high school years in Texas.
Davis currently resides in Greene County with his wife and three sons.
