EDENTON — Laurie Buckhout, a retired U.S. Army colonel and former congressional candidate, is considering another run for Congress, a move that could once again place her at the center of one of North Carolina’s most closely watched political battlegrounds.

“I’m thinking about it based on the fact that this district is still facing immense challenges that good leadership could help us overcome,” Buckhout said to the Albemarle Observer.

Buckhout is well known across eastern North Carolina following her 2024 campaign as the Republican nominee in the state’s 1st Congressional District. In that race, she narrowly lost to incumbent Democratic Rep. Don Davis, a contest that drew national attention due to its competitiveness and the district’s political significance. 

Buckhout reflected on the outcome of her 2024 campaign, pointing to lessons learned from the close race against Davis.

“I only lost by 1.6 pts last time due to a third-party candidate, and the lessons learned out of that race will make me an even better candidate,” she said.

Her potential reentry into the race comes as both parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the March 3, 2026 primary election.

“We’ve been considering about another run for CD-1 – service is our family’s blood,” Buckhout said. “My husband and I were both career military officers with a total of fifty-six years of service, and then I’ve served most of the last year as a Presidential Appointee at the Department of War working critical cyber issues. We are definitely praying on this.”

Buckhout’s political consideration follows a year in which she served in one of the nation’s top cybersecurity leadership roles.

A retired Army colonel, Buckhout spent decades in uniform, specializing in communications and electronic warfare. Her military career provided her with firsthand experience in the evolving role of cyber operations and their intersection with national security and military readiness.

Earlier this year, Buckhout was appointed Assistant Secretary of War for Cybersecurity, a position that placed her at the forefront of federal cyber defense policy and national security strategy. Buckhout helped shape strategy at the highest levels of government. Those experiences, she said, would directly inform her approach if she were to return to the campaign trail. Although she stepped down from that role serving full-time in September, Buckhout said she continues to serve the Department of War in a part-time capacity.

Buckhout emphasized the economic and social challenges facing the largely rural 1st Congressional District, which spans a wide swath of northeastern North Carolina. Many of the counties in the district consistently rank among the lowest in the state for income, health outcomes, and educational attainment.

“So many counties in this district are struggling, and remain in the lowest percentages of income, health care and education in the country,” she said. “Farmers are definitely struggling and as a farm girl myself, I understand the issues. We have work to do, and I’m tough enough to get it done.”

Should Buckhout formally enter the race, she would face a crowded Republican primary field. Potential opponents include state Sen. Bobby Hanig, Lenoir County Commissioner Eric Rouse, Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck, and Ashley-Nicole Russell, a Carteret County attorney. The competitive field underscores the significance Republicans place on winning the 1st District, helping to preserve the GOP majority in congress and maybe protect President Trump from yet another attempt by Democrats to impeach him. 

On the Democratic side, incumbent Rep. Don Davis filed on Monday to run again for the U.S. House of Representatives in District 1, solidifying his intention to seek another term.

Filing deadline is Friday — so we’ll see how the final primary ballot shapes up. 

The primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026, leaving candidates with several months to build support, raise funds, and differentiate themselves in what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the race is the question of endorsements, particularly from President Trump, who is expected to speak on Friday at the Rocky Mount Events Center, according to a White House release. 

The appearance has fueled speculation about whether Trump might weigh in on the 1st District congressional race, either directly or indirectly. An endorsement from Trump would likely carry significant influence in a contested Republican primary, especially in a district where his support remains strong among GOP voters.

“Although I have no expectations that the President will endorse anyone in this race, I do think I am the best candidate should we decide to run,” Buckhout said. “I have decades of successful public service in the military, and I’m also a successful entrepreneur with an in-depth understanding of the economic factors that drive America’s greatness. I’m a professional leader, served honorably inside the Trump administration, and we’re happily married with two great adult children. We are very active in the community, but there is always so much more to do.”

Trump has already demonstrated his willingness to involve himself in North Carolina politics, most recently by endorsing powerful state Senate leader Phil Berger’s bid for reelection. That move has prompted additional speculation about whether Berger may play a role in shaping preferences not only in the congressional race but also in other high-profile contests across the region.

One such contest is the Republican primary for North Carolina Senate District 1, which is shaping up as a hotly contested race between Jerry Tillett, Jay Lane, Colton Johnson, and Dave Forsythe. While there has been speculation about potential endorsements in that race, any announcement should ultimately come from Berger himself. 

For now, both congressional and legislative races remain fluid, with candidates continuing to position themselves and voters weighing their options. 

Buckhout has not formally declared her candidacy, but her comments signal that she is actively considering another campaign and evaluating the political landscape.

Buckhout’s potential return would reintroduce a candidate with strong name recognition, deep military and cybersecurity credentials, and a proven ability to run a competitive campaign in the district. It would also set the stage for a Republican primary defined by experience, regional ties, and differing visions for addressing the challenges facing eastern North Carolina.

As the field continues to take shape, one theme remains consistent across races: the importance of allowing voters to ultimately decide who represents them in Raleigh and Washington.

Moreover, whoever Trump or Berger may decide to support, it’s better to let the voters decide who represents us in the General Assembly or the halls of Congress.

With filing underway, major endorsements still uncertain, and the primary election less than a year away, the race for North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District is already emerging as one of the most closely watched political contests in the state. Whether Buckhout ultimately enters the race again could prove to be a defining factor in how that contest unfolds.