Army veteran predicts first Democratic win in North Carolina district in over a century due to current political atmosphere.

Retired Col. Laurie Buckhout is on a mission to make a difference in her North Carolina district, which she describes as the poorest in the state. Buckhout, a GOP candidate, highlighted that despite the pressing issues of economy and jobs, immigration remains the primary concern voiced by voters in her district.

She attributes the urgent need for change in the district to a combination of factors such as poverty, the inflow of drugs from across the border, and a general sense of discontent during the Biden administration. Buckhout emphasized the historical Democratic stronghold in her district, which has not elected a Republican representative since the presidency of Chester Arthur.

Speaking at an event hosted by Stefanik, Buckhout expressed her determination to flip the district which has been under Democratic leadership for 141 years, leading to its current status as the poorest in North Carolina. She spoke of the fear instilled in Democrats by the potential shift in power, urging voters to embrace change.

With her opponent, Rep. Don Davis, being an amicable figure in Congress, Buckhout criticized his association with Biden policies that she believes are detrimental to the economy of eastern North Carolina, a primarily agricultural region that has been struggling for years.

Despite the economic challenges faced by the residents, Buckhout noted that the border issue takes precedence in the minds of voters, reflecting their concerns for the future of their children in a rapidly changing political and economic landscape.

In the coastal towns of her district, where tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, Buckhout observed the adverse effects of the Biden administration’s policies on tourism revenue. The decrease in visitors from northern states has led to the closure of businesses and hotels, impacting the livelihoods of residents in these areas.

In response to Buckhout’s criticisms, Davis reaffirmed his commitment to serving the families of eastern North Carolina, highlighting his bipartisan leadership in Congress and his advocacy on various issues affecting the region, such as job cuts at Seymour Johnson AFB and the ongoing border crisis.

Professor Peter Francia of East Carolina University weighed in on the shifting political landscape of the district following the 2020 census redistricting, noting that the upcoming congressional election in the 1st District of North Carolina could be one of the most competitive races in the nation, indicating a potential shift towards the right.

As the political stage is set for a heated contest in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, the residents await the opportunity to cast their votes for the candidate they believe will bring about the much-needed change and address the pressing issues affecting their communities.