Candidates Contested North Carolina 1st District Seat
Three candidates are vying to represent North Carolina's 1st Congressional District in 2026.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Immigration
Live Poll
Do you believe the U.S. should prioritize stricter immigration enforcement tactics in your area?
Laurie Buckhout, Don Davis, and Thomas Bailey are competing for the 1st Congressional District seat. The candidates have shared contrasting policy positions regarding immigration enforcement tactics.
Why it matters
The candidates are outlining their specific immigration policies to voters ahead of the upcoming congressional election. These stances help the electorate determine how each candidate would handle border security and federal enforcement efforts.
Official reports indicate over 5,000 illegal immigrants were arrested in North Carolina this year. Meanwhile, incumbent Don Davis was one of seven Democrats who voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security and supported the Laken Riley Act.
The players
Laurie Buckhout
Laurie Buckhout is a Republican candidate for the 1st Congressional District who resides in Chowan County.
Don Davis
Don Davis is the Democratic incumbent for the 1st Congressional District based in Snow Hill.
Thomas Bailey
Thomas Bailey is a Libertarian candidate for the 1st Congressional District from Greensboro.
The details
Republican candidate Laurie Buckhout, Democrat Don Davis, and Libertarian Thomas Bailey are currently in a contest to represent the 1st Congressional District. The debate surrounding immigration enforcement has become a focal point, with Buckhout specifically citing $305 billion in enforcement funding.
Timeline
The 2026 election cycle is currently underway for the 1st Congressional District seat.
Political Context
Opponents often challenge the incumbent's record by contrasting votes for the Laken Riley Act with the broader legislative agenda of the Democratic caucus. This creates a structural divide regarding how federal resources should be prioritized for immigration enforcement versus other government services.
The outcome of this election will dictate which representative influences federal immigration enforcement funding and local border security measures. Voters should consider how each candidate's proposed funding levels or legislative support might alter existing enforcement protocols in their communities.
The takeaway
Voters should examine the specific voting records of candidates regarding Department of Homeland Security funding to understand their potential impact on future enforcement. Assessing these legislative choices provides clarity on how each candidate plans to address regional immigration challenges.
Further reading
For more information on how national policies are affecting state races, visit the Immigration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Durham Herald Sun.
Live Poll
Do you believe the U.S. should prioritize stricter immigration enforcement tactics in your area?
