Democratic newcomer Rep. Don Davis has successfully secured reelection in North Carolina’s most competitive congressional contest, defeating Republican challenger Laurie Buckhout. This race marks a key moment for Democrats, as it is the only truly contested congressional seat in the state.

This cycle presented Davis with greater challenges compared to his initial win in 2022, primarily due to redistricting that adjusted by the GOP-led legislature, resulting in a district that leans less Democratic than before. The political landscape attracted substantial funding from both parties, fueling a highly competitive environment.

For Democrats, retaining Davis’s seat was essential in their broader ambition to maintain a degree of influence in the U.S. House of Representatives. The freshman congressman is known for his moderate stance among House Democrats, which may have helped him gather some independent voters in his constituency. Throughout his first term, Davis has occasionally sided with Republicans, including a notable vote to condemn Vice President Kamala Harris regarding her approach to border issues. Notably, just a day after that vote, he expressed support for her presidential campaign, even speaking at an event for Harris in Greenville last month.

Buckhout’s strategy during her campaign involved associating Davis with Harris’s agenda, aiming to sway voters dissatisfied with the current administration’s policies. She sought to highlight their combined perspectives on economic and immigration issues as a means to differentiate herself.

On the other side, organizations supporting Davis worked to link Buckhout with Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who faced controversy related to past statements he made on a message board that contained vulgar and racist commentary. Robinson, however, has denied these allegations, which have not been independently verified.

Davis’ supporters, including the Democratic Legislative Congressional Committee, flooded the district with advertisements connecting Buckhout to Robinson’s controversial views on abortion, showcasing images of the two appearing together to underline their associations.

Throughout their campaigns, both candidates highlighted their military backgrounds, given that veterans represent approximately 7% of the district’s demographic according to census data. Davis is a former Air Force member, while Buckhout boasts over 25 years of service in the U.S. Army before her retirement in 2010.