Don Davis

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republican leaders in North Carolina have proposed a new U.S. House district map that could thwart reelection prospects of a Democratic incumbent in the state’s only swing seat. The map was revealed Thursday ahead of next week’s General Assembly session. It is part of an effort to help President Donald Trump secure more GOP seats nationwide ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The new boundaries focus on the 1st District, currently held by Democratic Rep. Don Davis, who narrowly won reelection in 2024. The changes could help Republicans win 11 of North Carolina’s 14 seats. Democrats have criticized the move, calling it an attempt to undermine fair elections.

POWELLS POINT, N.C. (AP) — Republican state Sen. Bobby Hanig has announced his bid for a U.S. House seat in North Carolina. The coastal legislator aims to unseat two-term Democratic Rep. Don Davis. Hanig plans to run for the 1st Congressional District, which is the state’s only swing district and spans 22 counties. Davis has already filed federal candidate paperwork for the 2026 race. Another Republican, Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson, has filed as well. The official election filing period is in December, with primaries in early March. Republicans currently hold 10 of North Carolina’s 14 U.S. House seats.