Don Davis, Greene County Native, Targets Local Issues in Congressional Run

Don Davis focuses on improving local farmers’ lives and protecting veterans benefits in North Carolina.

Don Davis stepped into politics at 29, inspired by a pothole in his hometown, Snow Hill, North Carolina. This pothole, a reminder of his childhood memories and the neglect of local issues, propelled him to run for mayor.

After serving as mayor for seven years and as a state Senate member for 12 years, Davis got elected to Congress in 2022 to represent North Carolina’s 1st district. Now seeking reelection, he is determined to enhance the lives of North Carolinians by addressing longstanding issues like that childhood pothole.

His commitment to constituents is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Snow Hill. After serving eight years in the Air Force, post-graduation from the United States Air Force Academy, Davis returned home to teach and serve as an assistant professor of aerospace studies at East Carolina University.

Now campaigning for reelection, Davis faces a competitive race due to last year’s gerrymandered map approved by North Carolina’s Supreme Court. His Republican opponent, Laurie Buckhout, is a newcomer who moved to North Carolina in 2021.

Davis stands for women’s reproductive freedom, unlike Buckhout, who is campaigning against abortion. Davis believes that women’s healthcare choices should be personal and not controlled by politicians.

In his campaign, Davis is addressing the concerns and challenges faced by his district’s rural residents. On the Agriculture, Energy and Environment committee, he’s actively working on the Farm Bill to support struggling farmers affected by natural disasters and market challenges.

While Buckhout criticizes the US economy, Davis is leveraging his track record of job retention, growth, and housing investments to prove that he is the better candidate for economic opportunities in the district.

Davis has successfully facilitated over $300 million in grants for federal projects in North Carolina and has defended jobs at risk due to proposed cuts and bans. He has also advocated for benefits for veterans, one of the key populations in his district.

Despite criticisms about his voting attendance in Congress, Davis has only missed 1% of votes according to GovTrack. He credits his grandmother for instilling in him the values of Eastern North Carolina and aims for unity, not divisiveness, in his political approach.