Rep. Don Davis, candidate for US House District 1 in NC, answers our questions
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Candidates for US House District 1
Democratic Rep. Don Davis is being challenged by Republican Laurie Buckhout and Libertarian Tom Bailey to represent North Carolina. District 1 includes Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Lenoir, Nash, Northampton, Martin, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, Vance, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wilson, parts of Granville coutnies. Get to know the 2024 candidates with our voter guide.
To help inform voters in the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Don Davis
District/seat: Congressional District 1
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 54
Campaign website: votedondavis.com
Current occupation: Member of U.S. Congress
Professional experience: After graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1994, I had the honor of serving as an Air Force officer, with assignments in mortuary affairs, readiness, protocol, and as an assistant professor of Aerospace Studies. I earned a Doctor of Education degree from East Carolina University (ECU) and taught at ECU, Pitt Community College, and Lenoir Community College for more than 15 years combined.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University, a master’s degree sociology with a concentration in regional development, and a doctoral degree in education from East Carolina University
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. I currently represent North Carolina’s First Congressional District, serving on the House Armed Services Committee and as the vice ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. My experience as the former mayor of Snow Hill for over 7 years and as a member of the North Carolina Senate for 12 years has greatly influenced my service. Additionally, I have served on the East Carolina University Board of Visitors and now on the United States Air Force Academy Board of Visitors
What would be your top priority if elected?
Many are concerned about high costs and access to quality health care, which impact seniors and those living in our most rural areas. We must keep working to make prescription drugs more affordable, expand Medicare and Social Security benefits, and fight to bring an end to the opioid and fentanyl crisis. I recognize the pressing need for better mental health and telehealth services.
How would you describe the state of the economy and what would you do to improve it?
NC-01 is experiencing enormous economic distress. We must rebuild our rural economy by addressing farm labor and passing a good Farm Bill, protecting our military installations, and supporting infrastructure development, including delivering more high-speed internet, providing more affordable housing, and addressing our road priorities. I’ve worked with members of both parties to save over 6,500 local jobs, including avoiding cuts to an F-15E squadron at Seymour Johnson AFB.
What should Congress do to ensure that it meets its deadline to fund the government?
Congress must prioritize bipartisanship and people over politics. Members of Congress must show up and do their jobs like our hardworking constituents do each day. Congress must stop passing Continuing Resolutions with lengthy extensions, which only kick the can down the road and hurt the American people, especially our rural families. The Lugar Center ranked me the #5 most bipartisan member of Congress, and I will continue to lead by example.
Will you certify the results of the presidential election?
Yes.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
I have worked to prioritize representing NC-01 families, which have sometimes not aligned with my party. For instance, I fought to avoid cutting an F-15E squadron at Seymour Johnson AFB, saving 520 jobs, and stood with our farmers expressing concerns about WOTUS rule changes. Farmers should not have to apply for permits to remove debris from a ditch. My leadership approach is pragmatic, and my commitment is to listen and serve constituents regardless of their party affiliation.
This story was originally published October 3, 2024 at 12:25 PM with the headline "Rep. Don Davis, candidate for US House District 1 in NC, answers our questions."
