Currituck County, North Carolina, September 5, 2025
News Summary
State Senator Bobby Hanig has declared his candidacy for North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. Hanig aims to challenge incumbent Don Davis in a competitive race that could affect the Republican majority in Congress. With primaries set for early March 2026, Hanig’s campaign is expected to focus on conservative values, local issues, and strong support for Trump-era policies. The candidate is joined by Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson, setting the stage for a fierce primary battle in this key district.
Currituck County, North Carolina — State Senator Bobby Hanig has announced his candidacy for the U.S. House seat in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, aiming to unseat Democratic incumbent Don Davis. This district, which encompasses 22 counties from the northern Outer Banks to the outskirts of Raleigh, is currently recognized as the state’s only competitive congressional district, making it a key target for the Republican Party in the upcoming elections.
Hanig’s campaign launch comes as North Carolina’s official state election filing period is scheduled for December, with primary elections set for early March 2026. He previously held a seat in the state House before moving on to the state Senate, where he has served since 2022. Known for advocating President Donald Trump’s policies, Hanig’s announcement highlighted his legislative record and his commitment to conservative values.
The Republican Party currently holds ten out of the fourteen U.S. House seats in North Carolina, making the 1st District a crucial area to focus on as the outcome of the November 2026 election could significantly impact the narrow Republican majority in the U.S. House. Don Davis, who won the seat in 2022 against Republican candidate Sandy Smith, managed to retain his position last fall with a narrow victory margin of less than two percentage points over Republican Laurie Buckhout.
In addition to Hanig, Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson has also announced his intention to run for the congressional seat, previously demonstrating significant fundraising prowess by raising nearly $2.3 million for his own campaign. This competitive landscape may lead to a robust race as the primary season approaches.
Hanig, who is recognized for his colorful suit jackets, has made headlines for his clashes with fellow state Senate GOP members over various issues, including a significant shrimp trawling ban that has brought differing opinions to the forefront. In his most recent announcement, he reiterated his dedication to advancing the “America First” agenda while addressing local issues that are prominent in northeastern North Carolina.
Although historically leaning Democratic, the 1st District has recently been deemed more competitive, earning a classification of “Toss Up” by the Cook Political Report. Hanig, appealing to conservative voters, has vowed to focus on essential topics such as tax cuts, border security, and military support during his campaign.
Motivated by his experiences as a small business owner who felt unsupported by local politicians when he needed it most, Hanig has positioned himself as a “proven leader” who is ready to represent the interests and values of his constituents. He intends to complete his term in the state Senate, which concludes in December 2026, while simultaneously pursuing the congressional seat.
As the political landscape shifts in preparation for the upcoming elections, the potential re-election campaign of Don Davis remains uncertain, as he has not yet publicly confirmed his intentions for 2026. The coming months are likely to see intensified campaigning and public discourse on the future direction of North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
FAQ Section
Who is Bobby Hanig?
Bobby Hanig is a Republican state senator from Currituck County, North Carolina, who has announced his candidacy for the U.S. House seat in the 1st Congressional District.
What is the significance of North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District?
The 1st Congressional District is currently the only competitive district in North Carolina, making it a key target for both parties in the upcoming elections.
When are the primaries scheduled for the upcoming election?
The primaries for the upcoming election are scheduled for early March 2026, with the official filing period beginning in December.
Who is the current incumbent for the 1st Congressional District?
The current incumbent for the 1st Congressional District is Don Davis, a Democrat who won the seat in 2022.
What other candidates are running in this district?
Another candidate, Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson, has announced his candidacy for the same U.S. House seat and has previously raised considerable funds for his campaign.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bobby Hanig | Republican state senator from Currituck County; announced candidacy for the U.S. House. |
| Current Incumbent | Don Davis, Democrat; won by narrow margins in recent elections. |
| District Description | Covers 22 counties; includes Outer Banks to Raleigh; considered a swing district. |
| Primary Dates | Primaries in early March 2026; filing period opens in December. |
| Other Candidates | Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson; significant fundraising history. |
| Political Landscape | 1st District classified as a “Toss Up”; GOP holds 10 out of 14 House seats in NC. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bobby Hanig Launches Bid for U.S. House in North Carolina
Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Carolina Journal
- News Observer
- NC Newsline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bobby Hanig
- Google Search: Bobby Hanig
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
