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U.S. Rep. Don Davis has been walking a political tightrope as he tries to remain in office. Rural Eastern North Carolina has become increasingly conservative in recent years, and the new map Republican lawmakers drew last year has made his district even more of a close race despite it being a Democratic stronghold for more than a century.
Davis, who served six terms in the state Senate before winning with 52 percent of the vote in 2022, now faces Republican Laurie Buckhout–a candidate who has broader appeal than the MAGA-aligned firebrand Davis beat last go-around.
The race is the lone congressional tossup in the entire Southeast. And as Bryan Anderson reports, the political calculus for both Davis and Buckhout is complicated by questions about how much to embrace their own parties.
Don Davis Tries to Hold On in the Northeast
A Republican hasn’t held the 1st Congressional District since 1883. But shifting demographics and a new voting map have left the first-term Democratic incumbent vulnerable.
“She’s an attractive candidate, but so is he,” said Tony Copeland, an attorney and former Democratic state commerce secretary who grew up in the district. “It’s going to be interesting to see what’s going to happen.”
Have a news tip for our team? You can reach us at scoops@theassemblync.com.
Swag Alert
Did you know you can now tout your Assembly readership with some gear? We recently launched an online store where you can pick up a hat, tote, or hoodie that tells everyone where you get your North Carolina news.
There are also drinking vessels of all sorts to hold your water, beer, or coffee. So whatever your poison, you now have a way to show Assembly pride as you imbibe.
What We’re Reading
Here’s Your Sign: Lowell Simon, a state House candidate and Moore County Democratic Party chair, has resigned after being charged with stealing Trump campaign signs, according to the Carolina Journal.
Make That To-Go: Asheville restaurants are concerned that Hurricane Helene could lead to an exodus of workers, the Citizen-Times reports.
Til We Meat Again: In Fayetteville, fire destroyed local staple Kinlaw’s Supermarket over the weekend. CityView has more on the meat market’s history and the community response.
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