(The Center Square) – Laurie Buckhout is running to be the first Republican to represent North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District since 1883 against Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis.
In one of the most competitive U.S. House races in the nation, the candidates have stuck to party lines on many issues, from immigration to energy policy.
Buckhout has called for a return to Trump-era energy policies, protecting women’s sports, securing the border, and “America First” economics.
Davis is backing many Biden administration policies, including more clean energy alternatives, expansions to education, and more federal funding to rural North Carolina communities. Uniquely, Davis stepped out of party lines to also support securing the border.
With Election Day just 27 days away, Davis is favored to win in a matchup that could shape whether the state goes from a 7-7 split of Republicans and Democrats to 10-4 or 11-3 Republicans.
The Hill, in partnership with DecisionDesk HQ, predicts Davis has a 76% chance of winning the district. This prediction is updated daily and has remained steady for the last few months.
In 2022, Davis won by 5%, or just 12,000 votes. This was a much closer margin than in previous elections, when Democrats would regularly win by upward of 40%.
The district is one of 37 congressional districts with a Democratic incumbent or an open seat that the National Republican Congressional Committee is targeting in 2024, according to Ballotpedia.
Just last week, the National Republican Congressional Committee said it plans to invest $1.45 million into Buckhout’s campaign.
Millions have also poured into the campaign coffers of each race. As of June 30, the two candidates had raised nearly $6 million between them.
Davis, first elected in 2022, brought in $3.17 million, compared to Buckhout’s $2.61 million. Going into the final few months of the election, Davis had $2.62 million still to spend, Buckhout only $600,000.
This is all according to campaign finance data provided to the Federal Election Commission.
The candidates have taken very different policy approaches.
Buckhout has labeled Davis as a “radical Democrat,” while remaining hopeful for her chances to “make history” by flipping District 1.
She has called out his support of Biden administration policies, especially on energy.
“My opponent Don Davis gave his full endorsement to Kamala Harris for president,” Buckhout posted on social media. “Don supports her RADICAL agenda for this country, including killing American energy jobs.”
Democrats have touted Davis as a “champion” for his education policies, which is a priority for his campaign.
“With over 20 years of experience as an educator and a doctorate in education, Don understands the importance of providing quality, affordable education to everyone,” Davis’ campaign website said.
The economy, according to all polling throughout the year, is the top issue for North Carolina voters. Buckhout has said that “America first” policies are needed to address an American economy that is “broken.”
“Here in North Carolina, Joe Biden and the Biden agenda have one name, and that’s Don Davis. Davis has enabled Joe Biden’s failures,” she said in a statement. “But I am ready and able to take on Don Davis to fight for working families in NC-01 by … fighting for the America First Agenda that protects and promotes American jobs.”
Davis has broken from his party by supporting both stricter immigration and border policies and pro-Israel policies.
“The United States must unwaveringly stand by Israel,” Davis said on social media. “We must continue assisting in Israel’s defense and not tolerate terrorist assaults against democracy.”
