EDENTON — President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout in the race for North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, throwing his support behind the retired Army colonel as she seeks to unseat Democratic incumbent Don Davis in November.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Trump announced the endorsement in a post on the social media platform Truth Social, praising Buckhout’s military background and sharply criticizing Davis’ voting record.

“It is my Great Honor to endorse Colonel Laurie Buckhout, who is running to represent the incredible people of North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District,” Trump wrote.

Buckhout, a retired U.S. Army colonel and decorated combat commander, previously ran for the seat in 2024 and has positioned herself as a national security–focused conservative candidate in the rematch against Davis, an Air Force veteran.

In the same post, Trump attacked the Democratic congressman, writing that Buckhout “is running against a Radical Left Democrat named Don Davis, who tried to raise Taxes by over $4 Trillion Dollars, and voted against all of our Tax Cuts, including NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY, and NO TAX ON OVERTIME.”

Trump continued by accusing Davis of supporting policies he said weaken border security and criminal enforcement.

“Don Davis wants to abolish our Borders, stop deporting Criminal Illegal Aliens, and supports dangerous ‘Soft on Crime’ Policies like cashless bail that let repeat Violent Criminals roam free on our streets,” Trump wrote. “He voted to allow men in women’s sports, is in favor of the transgender mutilation of children, and voted AGAINST Voter I.D., but in favor of allowing Illegal Aliens to vote in our Sacred Elections. He is Reckless, Radical, and Dangerous!”

Trump contrasted those accusations with praise for Buckhout’s military service and experience in national security roles.

“In contrast, Retired U.S. Army Colonel and Decorated Combat Commander Laurie Buckhout knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our Brave Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” Trump wrote.

He added that if elected to Congress, Buckhout would support conservative policy priorities.

“As your next Congresswoman, she will work tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote.

Trump concluded the endorsement with an emphatic show of support for the Republican challenger.

“Colonel Laurie Buckhout has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” he wrote.

The endorsement places Trump squarely behind Buckhout as Republicans look to flip the district in November. The 1st Congressional District stretches across much of northeastern North Carolina and has historically leaned Democratic, though recent elections have been competitive.

Buckhout’s campaign has emphasized her national security credentials and military leadership experience.

She spent much of 2025 serving as acting assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy in the Trump administration, a senior Pentagon role focused on cyber defense and national security strategy. In that position, Buckhout worked on critical cyber threats facing the United States and collaborated regularly with Congress, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the White House.

Buckhout stepped down from the full-time role in September due to health issues related to her military service. The condition was later linked to kidney dysfunction caused by burn pit exposure during her deployment in Iraq.

She has since said her health has improved significantly after receiving treatment, telling supporters she is now “feeling like a million bucks.”

Buckhout brings a lengthy military resume to the campaign trail. She served 26 years in the U.S. Army, specializing in communications, electronic warfare and cyber operations. Her service included a year in combat in Iraq, where she led approximately 800 personnel.

Originally from Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Buckhout grew up on a cattle farm as the daughter of two World War II veterans. She attended James Madison University on an ROTC scholarship before beginning a military career that took her around the world.

Following her retirement from the Army and the Pentagon, Buckhout started her own business, which she later grew and sold in 2019.

She and her husband, Paul — an Army Ranger and Delta Force veteran — later settled in Edenton, a waterfront town in northeastern North Carolina that Buckhout has described as “heaven” and “small town Southern USA.”

The endorsement could play a significant role in the race, as Trump remains highly influential among Republican voters in North Carolina. His backing may help consolidate support for Buckhout among GOP primary voters and energize conservative turnout heading into the general election campaign.

Davis, who is seeking reelection to another term in Congress, has represented the district since 2023 and previously served in the North Carolina Senate. Democrats have pointed to his legislative work on agriculture, rural infrastructure and veterans issues as key parts of his record in office.

The contest between Davis and Buckhout is expected to be closely watched statewide and nationally as Republicans target the seat as part of broader efforts to expand their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

With Trump’s endorsement now in hand, Buckhout enters the race with one of the most powerful political allies in the Republican Party backing her campaign.