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D Democratic · Incumbent · U.S. House 1, North Carolina · Nov 3, 2026

Don
Davis

Democratic incumbent Don Davis seeks a third term representing North Carolina's 1st Congressional District in 2026.

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
30
positions
10
endorsements
15
votedondavis.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)
Opponents Laurie Buckhout R+ 1 more Compare race →

Background

Don Davis is the U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 1st Congressional District, currently serving his second term in Congress. He was born and raised in Snow Hill, North Carolina, and lives in Greene County. 12

Davis graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in social sciences and served as a commissioned Air Force officer for eight years. He also holds a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University, a master's degree in sociology with a concentration in regional development, and a doctoral degree in education from East Carolina University. After his military service, he returned to eastern North Carolina and worked as an assistant professor of Aerospace Studies at East Carolina University's Air Force ROTC detachment, with more than 20 years as an educator overall. 12

Before his election to Congress, Davis served as mayor of Snow Hill for seven years and was elected to the North Carolina Senate in 2008, serving six terms over 12 years. 14 He was first elected to the U.S. House in 2022 and is seeking reelection in the November 2026 contest against Republican challenger Buckhout. 812

At a glance

Party
Democratic · Incumbent
Running for
U.S. House · District 1, North Carolina
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 1st Congressional District
Website
votedondavis.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Timeline

  1. Oct 9
    news
    Davis says affordability and inflation are top voter concerns; pushes diesel tax suspension and drug costs

    In a Yahoo News economy fact-check report, Davis said he was focused on temporarily suspending the federal diesel tax and making prescription drugs and workforce housing more affordable for constituents.

    Fact check: Where NC's 1st District candidates stand on the economy · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 8
    news
    Davis announces $1 million in federal funding for rural health programs

    Davis announced he had secured $1 million in federal funding directed at rural health programs in North Carolina's 1st District.

    Don Davis Announces $1 Million in Federal Funding for ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 8
    poll
    Polls show Davis leading Buckhout by varying margins in NC-01

    The Downballot reported three polls: a GQR poll at 47%–39% Davis; an unreleased September poll at 42%–40% Davis; and a Neighborhood Research and Media poll at 51%–41% Davis. Field dates and sample sizes were not provided.

    The House battleground has moved deep into Trump turf · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 8
    news
    WAVY: Davis and Buckhout have raised more than $7.9 million combined through June 30

    WAVY's Truth Tracker reported that the two major candidates in NC-01 had collectively raised more than $7.9 million through the end of June. Davis's Q2 FEC filing showed he raised roughly $995,800 that quarter, spent about $365,000, and held $3.6 million cash on hand.

    Truth Tracker: Davis vs. Buckhout Round 2 · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 7
    news
    Spectrum News profiles Davis's tough re-election fight after redistricting

    Spectrum News reported on the difficulties Davis faces seeking re-election after the district was redrawn in 2025 to be more favorable to Republicans.

    Don Davis in tough re-election fight after redistricting - Spectrum News · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 7
    news
    Davis says he supports border-security efforts and standard law-enforcement procedures for immigration

    In a News & Observer report on immigration stances, Davis said he supports the administration's border-security efforts and wants immigration officials to follow standard law-enforcement procedures, and cited support for screening technology at ports of entry.

    Where the candidates stand on immigration in a hard-fought race in Eastern NC · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 7
    poll
    WRAL: Davis running a few points ahead of Buckhout as gender-policy ads dominate NC-01 airwaves

    WRAL reported that pollster David McLennan of Meredith College characterized the race as close, with Davis 'running a few points ahead' of Buckhout, without disclosing specific poll details, field dates, or sample sizes.

    Ads in northeastern NC congressional district focus on gender policy to lure voters · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Oct 5
    filing
    Davis introduces bill to ban federal candidates from trading on their own elections

    Davis introduced legislation that would prohibit federal candidates from engaging in financial trading tied to their own electoral contests.

    Press Release: Don Davis Introduces Bill to Ban Federal ... · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Oct 3
    news
    Davis urges IRS to extend diesel tax relief for North Carolina farmers

    Davis sent a letter urging the IRS to extend diesel tax relief for farmers in North Carolina, part of his broader push on agricultural and rural economic issues in the district.

    Press Release: Don Davis Urges IRS to Extend Diesel Tax Relief for North Carolina Farmers | Stock News · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Oct 2
    news
    Davis releases ad backing state ban on transgender athletes in women's sports

    Davis's campaign began airing an ad stating that states should decide protections for women and girls in sports, and that North Carolina has done so. The ad drew criticism from LGBTQ outlets and Buckhout's campaign.

    North Carolina Dem Don Davis cuts transphobic political ad · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Oct 1
    news
    GOTV efforts launched in NC-1 ahead of early voting

    Get-out-the-vote rounds began in North Carolina's 1st District (as well as NC-3 and NC-7) in preparation for the upcoming early voting period starting October 15.

    GOTV Rounds begin in North Carolina NC-1, NC-3, NC-7 ... · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Sep 24
    filing
    Davis, Buckhout, and Bailey certified as major candidates on NC's 2026 ballot

    The Carolina Journal confirmed that Don Davis (D), Laurie Buckhout (R), and Libertarian Tom Bailey are the listed candidates for North Carolina's 1st District on the 2026 ballot, with early in-person voting beginning Oct. 15.

    Voting is underway: What’s on NC’s 2026 ballot · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  13. Sep 21
    news
    Davis-Buckhout rematch takes shape in newly redrawn NC-01

    A September report confirmed the rematch between incumbent Rep. Don Davis and Republican Laurie Buckhout in the redrawn 1st District. Libertarian Tom Bailey is also in the race. Early voting is scheduled for Oct. 15–31; Election Day is Nov. 3.

    Davis-Buckhout rematch takes shape in newly redrawn 1st District in North Carolina · Sep 21, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  14. Jan 1, 2025
    news
    NC-01 redistricted to improve Republican prospects; Davis's home drawn outside new lines

    Following redistricting in 2025, North Carolina's 1st District was redrawn to increase Republican vote share. Davis's home was placed outside the new district boundaries, complicating his re-election bid.

    Davis-Buckhout rematch takes shape in newly redrawn 1st District in North Carolina · Sep 21, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Southern Regional Council of Carpenters union
    Listed among Davis's endorsers in an endorsement tracker profile. ivoterguide.com
  • Sierra Club organization
    Named among Davis's endorsers in the August 14, 2026 candidate profile. cardinalpine.com
  • Congressional Black Caucus PAC organization
    Named among Davis's endorsers in the August 14, 2026 candidate profile and an endorsement tracker. ivoterguide.com
  • Planned Parenthood Action Fund organization
    Listed among Davis's endorsements by an endorsement tracker. ivoterguide.com
  • Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund organization
    Listed among Davis's endorsements by an endorsement tracker. ivoterguide.com
  • National Education Association organization
    Listed as an endorser on a Democratic campaign support page. tendems.org
  • North Carolina Association of Educators organization
    Named as a Davis endorser in a candidate profile published August 14, 2026. cardinalpine.com
  • VoteVets organization
    Named among Davis's endorsers in the August 14, 2026 candidate profile. cardinalpine.com
  • Southeastern Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO) union
    Listed Davis as an endorsed candidate for U.S. House District 1 on the 2026 general election slate. aflcionc.org · Sep 24, 2026
  • Eastern North Carolina Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO) union
    Listed Davis as an endorsed candidate for U.S. House District 1 on the 2026 general election slate. aflcionc.org · Sep 24, 2026
  • Central NC Labor Council (AFL-CIO) union
    Listed Davis as an endorsed candidate for U.S. House District 1 on the 2026 general election slate. aflcionc.org · Sep 24, 2026
  • North Carolina AFL-CIO union
    Listed Davis as an endorsed candidate for U.S. House District 1 on the 2026 general election slate. aflcionc.org · Sep 24, 2026
  • American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union
    Largest federal employee union endorsed Davis for reelection to Congress. afge.org · Sep 24, 2026
  • Mission to Deliver PAC organization
    Lists Davis under its 2026 Veterans endorsements as of August 4, 2026. missiontodeliver.com · Aug 4, 2026
  • Animal Wellness Action organization
    Endorsed Davis in his 2026 Democratic primary; endorsement letter dated February 10, 2026, with public announcement published July 9, 2026. animalwellnessaction.org · Feb 10, 2026

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$4.29M
Spent
$988K
Cash on hand
$3.57M

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H2NC02287(opens in a new tab)

Sources 30

  1. [1] Fact check: Where NC's 1st District candidates stand on the economy(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  2. [2] Don Davis Announces $1 Million in Federal Funding for ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  3. [3] The House battleground has moved deep into Trump turf(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  4. [4] Truth Tracker: Davis vs. Buckhout Round 2(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  5. [5] Ads in northeastern NC congressional district focus on gender policy to lure voters(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  6. [6] Don Davis in tough re-election fight after redistricting - Spectrum News(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  7. [7] Where the candidates stand on immigration in a hard-fought race in Eastern NC(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  8. [8] Press Release: Don Davis Introduces Bill to Ban Federal ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  9. [9] Press Release: Don Davis Urges IRS to Extend Diesel Tax Relief for North Carolina Farmers | Stock News(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
  10. [10] North Carolina Dem Don Davis cuts transphobic political ad(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  11. [11] GOTV Rounds begin in North Carolina NC-1, NC-3, NC-7 ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  12. [12] House - Don Davis(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  13. [13] Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses North ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  14. [14] NC Union Endorsed Candidates for November 3rd General ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  15. [15] NC Union Endorsed Candidates for November 3rd General Election(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  16. [16] NC Union Endorsed Candidates for November 3rd General Election(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  17. [17] NC Union Endorsed Candidates for November 3rd General Election(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  18. [18] Voting is underway: What’s on NC’s 2026 ballot(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  19. [19] Davis-Buckhout rematch takes shape in newly redrawn 1st District in North Carolina(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  20. [20] Voter Guide Profile for NC U.S. Rep., Dist 1 candidate - Don Davis(opens in a new tab) Sep 2, 2026
  21. [21] Don Davis, Democratic Candidate for NC's 1st Congressional ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 1, 2026
  22. [22] NC-01: Don Davis vs Laurie Buckhout(opens in a new tab) Aug 14, 2026
  23. [23] February 10, 2026 The Honorable Don Davis ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 10, 2026
  24. [24] Endorsements - Mission to Deliver(opens in a new tab) Aug 4, 2026
  25. [25] Voter Guide Profile for NC U.S. Rep., Dist 1 candidate(opens in a new tab) Jul 30, 2026
  26. [26] See guides.vote for online(opens in a new tab) Jun 7, 2026
  27. [27] 'Surgical racism': North Carolina's new map that ices out its only ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 23, 2025
  28. [28] Congressman Don Davis Connects With Eastern North Carolina During August Recess(opens in a new tab) Sep 3, 2025
  29. [29] NC’s Congressional Democrats urge House to protect IVF(opens in a new tab) Apr 17, 2024
  30. [30] Congressman Don Davis Rejects Bill that Hurts the Livelihood of Farmers(opens in a new tab) Jun 6, 2023
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