By Miles Layton

ROCKY MOUNT — The race for North Carolina’s First Congressional District is beginning to intensify as Republican challenger Lori Buckhout ramps up her campaign across Eastern North Carolina while Democratic incumbent Don Davis continues highlighting federal funding he says he has delivered to communities throughout the district.

The district, which stretches across a large swath of Eastern North Carolina, is expected to be one of the state’s most closely watched congressional contests in the 2026 election cycle. National Republicans have increasingly focused on the seat as a potential pickup opportunity, while Democrats view it as a key hold in their strategy to maintain influence in the U.S. House.

Buckhout delivered a forceful speech in Rocky Mount during an appearance alongside Vice President JD Vance, drawing sharp contrasts with Davis and calling for new leadership in a region she said has waited too long for economic growth and opportunity.

Davis, meanwhile, has spent the past several weeks touring Eastern North Carolina, posing with local leaders and highlighting millions of dollars in federal funding he says he helped secure for infrastructure, public safety and community projects.

Let’s speak the truth – Davis presented a lot of giant novelty-sized checks to local governments in recent days, and he will be a formidable campaigner – more on those checks is posted below.

And let’s not forget, Davis won the first battle in 2024 – yes, it was a squeaker, but a win is a win – ask Apollo Creed at the end of the first Rocky movie.  

Political observers say the race is likely to draw increasing national attention as the campaign season continues, with visits from prominent political figures expected in the months ahead.

Since this rematch is sure to be a battle royale between Buckhout and Davis, I’m not sure which Rocky sequel to compare it to so as to include a clip of the training montage or fight. I’m leaning toward Rocky II.  

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Buckhout delivers pointed critique

Speaking to supporters Friday in Rocky Mount, Buckhout framed her campaign as part of a broader effort to bring change to Eastern North Carolina.

“It is an honor to stand with the hardworking people of Eastern North Carolina as we welcome Vice President J.D. Vance — a leader who understands that America’s strength is built right here, in communities powered by grit, faith, and hard work,” Buckhout said.  

Buckhout argued that the region has been dominated by one political establishment for generations without producing the economic growth many residents hoped for.

“But for 143 years, one political machine has dominated much of this region,” she said.

“After 143 years, too many towns are still waiting. After 143 years, too many families are still struggling. After 143 years, Eastern North Carolina is still being told to wait.”

“That is not leadership,” she added. “That is neglect.”

Buckhout then directed criticism at Davis, referring to the congressman by a nickname she said reflected frustration among voters.

“And today, that failed system has a name,” Buckhout said. “Do-Nothing Don Davis.”

If I were Davis, listening to Buckhout’s powerful speech, this would be a ruh-roh moment; she’s battle-tested and ready for prime time.  

Military leadership and accountability

Buckhout emphasized her background as a retired U.S. Army colonel and business owner, arguing that those experiences shaped her expectations for leadership.

“I’ve spent my life in places where results matter,” Buckhout said. “As a U.S. Army Colonel, I led soldiers in combat where the mission came first and excuses meant failure.”

She said leadership in both the military and private sector requires accountability.

“As a business owner, I’ve carried the responsibility of making payroll and keeping families financially secure,” she said.

“In the real world, leadership is simple. You stand with your people. You fight for the mission. And you deliver results.”

Buckhout said that standard is missing in Washington.

“But when working families here needed tax relief, Don Davis voted no,” she said.

“When tipped workers needed the chance to keep more of what they earn, Don Davis voted no. When small businesses needed breathing room to grow, Don Davis voted no. When rural communities needed economic strength, Don Davis voted no.”

Buckhout also criticized Davis for celebrating federal spending programs she said he opposed during congressional votes.

“Then just days later, Don Davis issued press releases celebrating more than $200 million in rural health funding,” she said.

“Funding made possible by the very agenda Don Davis tried to defeat.”

“Don Davis tried to block it in Washington,” Buckhout continued. “Then he tried to brag about it back home.”

She compared the situation to the standard of accountability she said exists in the military.

“In the Army, if you vote against your own mission, you don’t get a press release — you get relieved of command,” Buckhout said.

“That’s not harsh. That’s accountability.”

A call for change in Eastern North Carolina

Buckhout argued that Eastern North Carolina has long struggled to attract the economic growth and opportunity seen in other parts of the state.

“For generations, politicians have promised this region opportunity,” she said.

“Yet too many young people still feel like success means leaving home.”

“Too many communities are still waiting on growth that never quite arrives.”

Buckhout said that cycle continues when politicians prioritize political safety over bold leadership.

“That cycle continues when politicians choose safe votes instead of strong leadership,” she said.

Buckhout also connected her campaign to the broader political agenda championed by Donald Trump and Vance.

“That is why the America First leadership of President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance is bringing new strength and new hope to places like Rocky Mount,” she said.

According to Buckhout, the agenda focuses on border security, economic growth and energy independence.

“They are focused on secure borders, safe communities, American energy dominance, strong support for our farmers, and an economy where hard work once again leads to real opportunity,” she said.

She said those priorities resonate strongly with voters in Eastern North Carolina.

“Friends, Eastern North Carolina has been patient long enough,” Buckhout said.

“Eastern North Carolina is ready to be heard. Ready to be respected. Ready for leaders who fight as hard as its people do.”

“Because after 143 years of excuses, this region is not looking for another politician,” she added. “It is looking for results.”

Vance targets Davis

During the rally, Vance also sharply criticized Davis while urging voters to support Buckhout in the upcoming election.

“Don Davis is not a man who stands for the people of this state or this district; he is a person who does exactly what Nancy Pelosi tells him to do, and in November, we’re going to send him home and get him out of Washington D.C.,” Vance said.

The vice president’s appearance signaled the importance Republicans are placing on the race as they seek to expand their influence in Congress.

And let’s be honest – Vance isn’t going to make a stump speech supporting Davis, especially after Trump endorsed Buckhout. Same could be said if a prominent Democrat came to Edenton – be Clinton or AOC – that person would make a speech in support of Davis.  

Davis highlights federal funding

While Buckhout’s campaign has focused heavily on national issues and political accountability, Davis, a former state legislator and mayor of Snow Hill and Air Force veteran, has spent recent weeks emphasizing federal funding he says he secured for communities across the district.

Davis said he had “secured over $54 million for 15 key community projects across Eastern North Carolina” as part of the 2026 funding cycle.

“These projects, part of Community Project Funding, prioritize public safety, critical infrastructure improvements, and community development,” Davis said in posts to social media.

Among the largest investments is a $41 million upgrade for the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Facility at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

Davis said the funding addresses concerns from constituents who want to see tangible results from their representation in Washington.

“It’s totally fair for those who don’t follow us as closely to ask, ‘What has he done for eastern NC?’” Davis said.

“As we make rounds across eastern NC, I proudly championed each of these 15 projects and voted for key government funding bills that provided funding for them, totaling $54 million.”

Infrastructure and public safety projects

The projects Davis highlighted span multiple counties throughout Eastern North Carolina.

In Martin County, $1 million was secured for a fire truck replacement, and in Bertie County, $1 million was secured for critical fire equipment.

Gates County is slated to receive $1 million in funding for a new community and senior center, while Hertford County will see $1 million toward improvements to water infrastructure.

The Town of Plymouth is expected to receive $1 million for public health and safety facility upgrades.

Davis said those investments demonstrate a commitment to rural communities that often struggle to secure federal resources.

“Together, we are investing in our communities and undeniably building a brighter future for eastern NC,” Davis said in a post to social media.

Davis has also been highlighting specific projects during his visits across the district.

In Williamston, he announced $250,000 for road improvements.

“A stretch of roads in Williamston is getting a major upgrade,” Davis said. “I delivered $250,000 for much-needed road improvements, making daily commutes safer and smoother for residents and local businesses.”

In Ahoskie, Davis said he secured funding to strengthen public safety.

“Keeping our communities safe matters,” he said. “I’m proud to deliver real results for Ahoskie by securing $606,000 for essential public safety equipment. When we invest in public safety, eastern NC stays strong.”

Davis also highlighted infrastructure improvements in Tarboro.

“Tarboro is a leader in transforming eastern North Carolina,” he said. “We’re so excited to announce a new investment of over $1 million in the wastewater treatment plant denitrification upgrade. Strong infrastructure is essential for building a vibrant community. We’re getting real results.”

Another project involves sewer rehabilitation in Sharpsburg in Edgecombe County.

“During a special meeting, I announced a $1 million investment in a sewer rehabilitation project that will help the hardworking families of this wonderful town,” Davis said.

“Together, we’re building a brighter and better future for Sharpsburg and eastern NC.”

Campaign expected to intensify

With months remaining before voters head to the polls, both campaigns are expected to intensify their outreach across the district.

Buckhout is positioning herself as a candidate focused on accountability and national conservative priorities, while Davis is emphasizing federal investments and local development projects.

That said, it’s a long way til November — gas prices, war in the Middle East, fissures in the banking industry and more — reminds me of this quote attributed to Winston Churchill,  “Events, my dear boy, events,” which highlights that unforeseen circumstances, rather than political planning, dictate electoral outcomes.