Crowded field of Republicans run in redrawn district. Where they stand on issues
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Five Republicans seek to defeat incumbent Rep. Don Davis in NC-1.
- Candidates stress border security, job growth and fiscal discipline.
- Field includes a Trump administration alum, local officials and business leaders.
To help voters learn which candidates are on their ballot and where they stand on important policy issues, The News & Observer is publishing candidate questionnaires in all state and federal races in North Carolina on the March 3, 2026, ballot.
Five Republicans are seeking to defeat incumbent Don Davis, the congressman representing North Carolina’s far northeastern counties.
North Carolina currently is represented by 10 Republicans and four Democrats, including Davis, of Snow Hill. But Davis found himself targeted by Republicans wanting to give their party a potential 11th seat in the House.
That led to a crowded primary that includes former Trump administration official Laurie Buckhout, Sen. Bobby Hanig, Lenoir County Commissioner Eric Rouse, Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck and lawyer Ashley-Nicole Russell.
Below are the candidates running for U.S. House District 1 who responded to our questionnaire in order by the date their responses were received. Some candidates did not provide a photo.
Buck did not respond to the questionnaire.
Eric Rouse
Age as of March 3, 2026: 53
Political party: Republican
Campaign website: ericrouse.com
Current occupation: Self-employed
Professional experience: Entrepreneur with six primary businesses.
Education: Bachelor of science from East Carolina University with a concentration in electronics and a minor in business.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Sixteen years as a county commissioner. Never voted for a tax or tax increase.
What would be your top priority if elected? More and higher paying jobs for the people of the district in Eastern N.C.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? The state of the economy is improving rapidly. Energy costs are falling with gas rates the lowest we have seen in years. As energy falls the cost of moving goods falls with it and slows inflation further, as we are seeing with the 3% inflation rate. Trump has us well on the way to offsetting our debt with tariffs and a strengthening economy. As more people buy American as the prices come down this will spur more job development.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? It is extremely important that Congress pass a budget. For the Democrats to hold the nation hostage and shut down the government is inexcusable. Obviously, a vote grab on the Democrats’ part at the expense of hard-working Americans. The people deserve better than this; we live on a budget and Congress should, too. Also, no congressman or senator should receive a paycheck while the government is shut down. They should be held to suffer along with the rest of government.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? The ACA is not an effective answer to health care. Unsustainable subsidies can not continue to be used to prop up a failing system. Private and employer based insurance along with Medicare and Medicaid would be more reasonable, reducing subsidies and premiums.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? This depends on the nature of the action. Obviously in Venezuela we had to act rapidly and with stealth in order to accomplish the objective. Had Congress been required to vote on it, we would have ended up in a stalemate as we did over the budget, negating any advantage we had.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I do believe that ICE is performing their jobs as required, removing illegal citizens who have trespassed here and brought crime with them, taking jobs and housing from Americans.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? Yes.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? No.
Ashley-Nicole Russell
Age as of March 3, 2026: 39
Political party: Republican
Campaign website: www.ashleynicolerussell.com
Current occupation: Ashley-Nicole Russell founded AN|R Law, an award-winning law firm with offices in Greenville, Raleigh, Beaufort and Wilmington, and she has been recognized by groups including Super Lawyers and Business North Carolina, as well as being named Greenville-Pitt County Small Business Leader of the Year. She also serves on the national board of the National Parents Organization and has been featured in outlets including Forbes and The Washington Post.
Professional experience: Ashley-Nicole started the first collaborative law firm in Eastern North Carolina because she believes strong families lead to strong communities. She also wrote “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” focused on restoring responsibility, commitment and stability in family life. She earned her degrees Magna Cum Laude from Appalachian State University and N.C. Central University School of Law.
Education: Ashley-Nicole Russell graduated Magna Cum Laude from Appalachian State University with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in political science and criminal justice. She then earned her juris doctor from N.C. Central University School of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude and also completing a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from the Dispute Resolution Institute, grounding her legal foundation in both law and alternative conflict resolution.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Ashley-Nicole Russell is an award-winning attorney and recognized leader in North Carolina’s legal and business communities. She has been honored by organizations including Super Lawyers & Business North Carolina and was named Greenville-Pitt County Small Business Leader of the Year. Russell has served on the board of the National Parents Organization and regularly speaks on family law, co-parenting and conflict resolution. Her work has been featured in outlets such as Forbes and The Washington Post.
What would be your top priority if elected? If elected, Ashley-Nicole Russell will put America First, securing the border, protecting jobs, and ending reckless spending. She will defend faith, family and freedom, standing for parents’ rights, the unborn and free speech. She will back law enforcement, cut red tape for small businesses and restore a government that serves North Carolina families, not special interests.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? I see an economy where too many families and small businesses are struggling with high prices, tight budgets and burdensome taxes and regulations that make it harder to get ahead. I will fight to lower taxes, cut red tape, restore American energy independence and bring jobs back home. My goal is a strong, America First economy that rewards hard work, strengthens families and expands opportunity.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? The American people should never be held hostage by Washington dysfunction. Congress must return to regular single-subject spending bills and stop using massive, unreadable omnibus packages to hide waste. I support real spending caps, zero-based budgeting and accountability for every dollar. Passing a budget on time is critical, but it must be a responsible one that puts America First, secures the border, funds our military, protects Social Security and stops reckless spending that fuels inflation.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? Health care should work for patients, not bureaucrats. I support protecting Medicaid for our most vulnerable while cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse so it remains strong and sustainable. On Obamacare subsidies, throwing more taxpayer money at a broken system is not the solution. We need more competition, more choice, health savings accounts and lower drug prices so families get better care at lower costs.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? The president is commander-in-chief and must have the ability to act quickly to defend America when our people or our national security are under threat. That said, Congress has a constitutional role in authorizing long-term or major military engagements. I support strong consultation and accountability, but I will never tie our military’s hands with endless delays when American lives are on the line. America First means strength, clarity, and decisive leadership.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I fully support the Trump administration’s tough, lawful immigration enforcement. A nation without borders is not a nation. Our laws must be enforced, period. Strong enforcement deters crime, stops human trafficking and protects American workers and families. Legal immigrants who follow the rules deserve a system that works for them, but the priority must always be national security, public safety and American sovereignty.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? Yes. Education should be controlled by the states, local communities and parents, not Washington bureaucrats. Every state knows its students and values better than a one-size-fits-all federal system. I support school choice, parental rights and accountability, not woke indoctrination. Decisions about curriculum, discipline and standards should be made close to home. Local control leads to better schools, stronger families, and a more patriotic education.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I’m a conservative who puts America First, not party politics first. While I agree with Republicans on most issues, I believe we need to be more serious about cutting wasteful spending, even when it’s politically uncomfortable. Both parties talk about fiscal responsibility, but too often they protect pet projects instead of taxpayers. I will always choose what’s right for the people over what’s easy for politicians.
Laurie Buckhout
Age as of March 3, 2026: 64
Political party: Republican
Campaign website: https://www.lauriebuckhoutforcongress.com/
Current occupation: Retired U.S. Army Colonel, former businesswoman, wife and mom to two sons
Professional experience: U.S. Army - 26 years of service, retired at rank of colonel; founder & CEO, Corvus Consulting; Trump administration - Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy
Education: Bachelor of science at James Madison University, Master of science degree at Webster University, Master of military arts and science at U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: Member - Edenton-Chowan Economic Development Commission, Member - Edenton Chamber of Commerce, Member - Chowan County GOP, Republican nominee for Congress - NC-01 (2024), Candidate for Congress - NC-01 (2026)
What would be your top priority if elected? My top priority is lowering the cost of living and fighting inflation hurting hardworking families in Eastern North Carolina. President Trump has taken key steps to rein in spending, cut regulations and unleash American energy. Congress must build on that by restoring fiscal discipline, supporting small businesses and workers, and keeping jobs and investment here at home.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? Families are still feeling squeezed by high prices and uncertainty, but President Trump’s pro-growth, America-First policies are starting to make a difference. If elected, I’ll fight for responsible spending, lower costs and policies that keep jobs, farming, energy and small businesses strong in our communities instead of sending them overseas.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Congress has a basic duty to keep the government open, and the 2025 shutdown never should have happened. Senate Democrats chose politics over people. To prevent this, Congress must return to regular order, pass budgets on time and stop using funding as leverage. Families have to budget every month; Washington should, too.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? I support conservative, pro-patient reforms that make health care more affordable without expanding Washington’s control. States should have flexibility to manage Medicaid with accountability and work requirements. I oppose unlimited ACA subsidy expansions that drive up costs. We need competition, transparency and choice, not more federal spending.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Congress has an important oversight role in sustained military action, but the president must be able to act quickly to protect Americans and respond to threats. As a former combat veteran and Trump administration appointee to the Department of War, I support President Trump’s strong national security leadership. Any action should be lawful, clearly defined, and directly tied to U.S. security interests.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? Yes. I support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement because it restores border security, upholds the rule of law, and puts public safety first. Strong enforcement deters illegal crossings, weakens criminal cartels and brings order back to a broken system while ensuring legal immigration is respected.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? Yes. Education should be controlled by states and local communities, not Washington bureaucrats. Federal overreach has brought more red tape and worse outcomes for our students. Parents and local school boards know what works best. Education improves when power is returned to states and parents, not driven by federal mandates.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I’m a Republican, but I won’t be a rubber stamp for anyone. I oppose bloated, last-minute spending deals and omnibus bills, even from my own party. Congress should govern transparently, follow regular order and practice fiscal discipline, just like families in Eastern North Carolina must do every day.
Bobby Hanig
Age as of March 3, 2026: 62
Political party: Republican
Campaign website: www.bobbyhanig.com
Current occupation: Small business owner
Professional experience: Served in the Army, small business owner, Currituck County Commissioner, N.C. House member, N.C. state senator.
Education: High school.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: Chair of Currituck County Commission, member for two terms in the N.C. House and two terms in the N.C. state Senate.
What would be your top priority if elected? Moving the president’s First Agenda forward.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? Since President Trump took office the economy has grown significantly and his policies have helped drastically lower inflation. The price of everyday goods is dramatically down including gas prices, consumer confidence is up, but we must continue to be the economic engine that spurs news jobs across the country. The president’s policies have improved the economy greatly but we must continue to push forward on his agenda to make the economy even stronger for all Americans.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? They should put aside their partisan politics and do the right thing for the American people.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? I think Congress needs to find a better way to fund health care and figure out ways to reduce the cost of health care insurance so all able-bodied Americans can afford insurance.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? No, I think the president should use powers granted by the U.S. Constitution to keep America safe from enemies foreign and domestic.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I 100% support the tactics being used and every previous president has used the same tactics. The difference is sanctuary cities are not cooperating with ICE. Cities that are cooperating with ICE have not had riots while the unrest has happened in sanctuary cities.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? Yes
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I don’t believe there is an issue I disagree with my party on. However, my first priority is my constituents, not my party.
This story was originally published February 13, 2026 at 2:59 PM.
