(The Center Square) – One day before canvass, North Carolina Republican 1st Congressional District candidate Laurie Buckhout has been endorsed by second-term Republican President Donald Trump.
Buckhout, retired Army colonel, worked in the Trump administration following her 2024 loss to incumbent Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C. She’ll try again to unseat him on Nov. 3, having unofficially defeated Asa Buck 39.5%-34.5% and three others in last week’s primary.
“It’s an honor to receive the endorsement of President Trump,” Buckhout wrote on social media. “NC-01 needs an America First fighter. I was proud to serve in President Trump’s administration in the Department of War. I’m fired up to defeat Don Davis this November and keep advancing President Trump’s America First agenda for NC-01.”
In 2024, David defeated Buckhout 49.5%-47.8% – by 6,307 votes of 376,324 cast. The district was redrawn by state lawmakers in October, moving six counties from the 3rd Congressional District to the 1st and four from the 1st to the 3rd with a goal of strengthening Republican advantage in the northeastern corner of the state.
Not since the 1882 election has the party won that neck of the woods. Davis was unsuccessful in October running the Restoring Electoral Stability to Enhance Trust Act of 2025, a proposal trying to stop congressional map redraws across the country.
“Laurie is running against a radical left Democrat named Don Davis, who tried to raise taxes by $4 trillion dollars, and voted against all of our tax cuts, including no tax on tips, no tax on Social Security, and no tax on overtime,” Trump wrote on social media. “Don Davis wants to abolish our borders, stop deporting criminal illegal aliens, and supports dangerous ‘soft on crime’ policies like cashless bail that let repeat violent criminals roam free on our streets.
“He voted to allow men in women’s sports, is in favor of the transgender mutilation of children, and voted against voter I.D., but in favor of allowing illegal aliens to vote in our sacred elections. He is reckless, radical and dangerous!”
Davis voted nay on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act eventually signed by Trump on July 4. It included the no tax on tips, included a temporary standard deduction for seniors on Social Security, and had the no tax on overtime provision.
On immigration, Davis’ record is not one-sided.
Davis was in favor of the Laken Riley Act and is on record critical of the Biden administration immigration policies, specifically the “catch and release” practice. He voted for DHS Appropriations Act 2025, known also as House Resolution 8752, in June 2024 that increased border security technology, fentanyl detection and overtime pay for Border Patrol agents.
Davis also has requested accountability for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Trump wrote additionally, “In contrast, retired U.S. Army colonel and decorated combat commander Laurie Buckhout knows the wisdom and courage required to defend our country, support our brave military/veterans, and ensure peace through strength. As your next congresswoman, she will work tirelessly to grow the economy, cut taxes and regulations, unleash American energy dominance, promote made in the USA, keep our border secure, stop migrant crime, and protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Davis originally voted with Democrats to shut down the government last fall. When the 43-day lapse was overcome, Davis had flipped his vote joining five others from his party.
Davis and Libertarian Tom Bailey do not face primary opponents.
