North Carolina State Sen. Bobby Hanig announced Wednesday he will forgo reelection to the General Assembly and instead launch a campaign for the state’s 1st Congressional District, setting up what promises to be one of the nation’s most closely watched House races in 2026.
In a Facebook post, Hanig, 61, a Republican from Powells Point, said to expect “big news ahead — don’t miss it” during his radio appearance at 8:20 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, on Talk 96.3 & 103.7 with host Henry Hinton.
The News & Observer (Raleigh) and Charlotte Observer both published stories early Sept. 3 about the announcement. The Albemarle Observer was made aware of his plans by inside sources but determined it was Hanig’s announcement to make.
An hour after the Raleigh and Charlotte newspapers made the announcement, Hanig issued his own statment on Facebook and linked to his election website bobbyhanig.com :
State Senator Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck) kicked off his campaign for Congress today, running in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
Hanig said, “I am proud to announce my candidacy for United States Congress and the first Congressional District of North Carolina. I’m running because Northeastern North Carolina deserves true conservative leadership that will fight for our community and the America First Agenda.”
He added, “I’m a proven leader who has always been a fierce advocate for my constituents and our shared values and beliefs. I will continue that fight when I get to Washington. I believe in President Trump’s America First Agenda and my record in the legislature backs it up. I’ve cut taxes for North Carolina families, toughened border control in the state, stood up for life, and defended our Second Amendment rights.”
Bobby Hanig’s record proves he is delivering on the America First agenda, not just talking about it. From securing our borders and cutting taxes, to defending freedom and supporting our military families, Bobby has consistently fought for North Carolina families. Bobby Hanig is known for taking pride in delivering prompt, reliable constituent service.
Hanig, a Republican small business owner and Army veteran is serving his second term in the State Senate, representing Bertie, Camden, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans and Tyrell Counties.
After his service in the United States Army, Hanig put down roots in Currituck County, where he has successfully operated his business for more than twenty-five years. A self-made entrepreneur, he founded two companies and built one from a solo operation into a thriving business serving more than 400 properties on the Outer Banks. Before being elected to the State Senate, Hanig served for two terms in the NC House of Representatives and served as Chairman of the Currituck County Commission.
Congressional District 1 includes Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Edgecomb, Gates, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, Vance, Warren, Washington, Wayne and Wilson Counties.
He will face Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson, 58, in the Republican primary. The winner will challenge incumbent Rep. Don Davis, a Democrat who has not yet formally announced his reelection bid but is expected to run.
North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District stands out as the state’s only truly competitive House seat, classified by the Cook Political Report as a “Democrat Toss Up.” While the district has been a Democratic stronghold since 1899, recent redistricting has made it winnable for Republicans despite its slight Democratic lean by registration numbers.
Davis, 54, of Snow Hill, won the seat in 2022 after longtime Rep. G.K. Butterfield’s retirement. He successfully ran for reelection in 2024.
Hanig’s political career began with frustration over constituent services. As a small business owner needing help from Currituck County commissioners for a building project, he said his local representative failed to assist him. When encouraged to run for the position himself, he entered the race and won unopposed when his predecessor dropped out.
His political ascent took him from county commissioner to the state House and then Senate.
Hanig recently opposed legislation that would have banned shrimp trawling in coastal sounds, arguing it would devastate North Carolina’s shrimp industry. Though the Senate passed the bill despite Hanig’s objections, House Republicans ultimately blocked it.
The 1st District race is expected to draw significant national attention and resources as both parties vie for control of a seat that could help determine the House majority. With Republicans holding a narrow edge and Democrats seeking to regain control, every competitive district becomes crucial to national political calculations.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated shortly after publication to reflect that Hanig issued an announcement of his 1st Congressional District campaign.
2 responses to “Bobby Hanig Announces Congressional Bid for 1st District”
Mr. Hanig has been truly an EXCELLENT advocate for north eastern North Carolina in Raleigh, and I hope he wins in his run for the United States House of Representatives North Carolina District 1.
I do not think anyone reflects our values more than Mr. Hanig and when you send Mr. Hanig to Washington, D.C. to speak you can be sure it is YOUR voice that is being heard.
Godspeed with your election journey Mr. Bobby Hanig – you’ve got my vote!
Bobby Hanig is a solid conservative and a proven leader. He will win this seat in Congress in November 2026. We all need to get behind him. Hopefully, we will not have a primary. It was a primary that allowed the Democrats to split the GOP vote in the general election to narrowly get Davis across the finish line in 2024.