North Carolina, September 4, 2025
News Summary
North Carolina State Senator Bobby Hanig has declared his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, aiming to contest Democratic incumbent Don Davis in the competitive 1st Congressional District. The district, covering 22 counties, is crucial for the Republican party as they seek to reclaim seats in a narrow House majority. The filing period begins in December, with primaries set for March 2024. Hanig is promoting his leadership experience and commitment to constituents’ values amidst growing interest from Republican candidates.
North Carolina – State Senator Bobby Hanig announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, aiming to challenge Democratic incumbent Don Davis in the state’s only competitive congressional seat. Hanig is seeking the Republican nomination for the 1st Congressional District, which stretches across 22 counties from the northern Outer Banks to areas near Raleigh.
The filing period for candidates to officially enter the race begins in December, with the primaries set for early March 2024. The November 2024 election will be closely watched, particularly due to the narrow Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Don Davis, currently serving as the incumbent, initially won his seat in 2022 by defeating Republican candidate Sandy Smith and secured a second term last fall, edging out Republican Laurie Buckhout by less than 2 percentage points. In addition to Hanig’s campaign announcement, Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson, also a Republican, has filed paperwork to run for the 1st District seat in the upcoming 2026 election, illustrating the growing interest in this competitive district.
Currently, Republicans hold 10 out of North Carolina’s 14 congressional seats, making the 1st District the only competitive seat for the party in the state. Given the GOP’s need to reclaim seats to maintain control in the House, the 1st District election is considered crucial for both parties.
Senator Hanig, who was first elected to the North Carolina House in 2018 and transitioned to the Senate in 2022, emphasized his commitment to advocating for the values of his constituents. He has publicly expressed support for former President Donald Trump’s policies and is framing himself as a “proven leader.” Hanig’s past legislative experiences include previous conflicts with state Senate Republican leaders over shrimp trawling regulations.
Sandy Roberson, who previously lost the GOP nomination to Sandy Smith in 2022, has been actively fundraising for his campaign, having raised nearly $2.3 million including $2 million from personal funds. His activities indicate a strong commitment to securing the Republican nomination for the district in future elections.
This upcoming election cycle is particularly significant as it may impact the balance of congressional representation and the future control of the U.S. House. The intense competition within the 1st District is expected to attract considerable attention and campaign resources from both Democratic and Republican parties.
Background and Context
The 1st Congressional District of North Carolina has become pivotal for the Republicans as they aim to increase their representation in a state that has shown varying political trends in recent years. The district is characterized by its diverse geography and population, which includes urban areas as well as rural communities. The differing priorities and perspectives of these areas make the race particularly contentious and critical for any candidates vying to represent this region.
As political dynamics evolve, the 2024 elections will likely set the tone for future congressional races in North Carolina and could serve as a bellwether for national trends in voter sentiment and party alignment.
FAQs
Who is Bobby Hanig?
Bobby Hanig is a North Carolina State Senator who has announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, aiming to challenge incumbent Don Davis in the 1st Congressional District.
What is the significance of the 1st Congressional District in North Carolina?
The 1st District is the only competitive district for Republicans in North Carolina, making it crucial for both parties as the November 2024 election approaches.
When does the election filing period begin?
The official filing period for candidates starts in December, followed by primary elections scheduled for early March 2024.
What is Don Davis’s political background?
Don Davis is the Democratic incumbent, having won his seat in 2022 and re-elected in 2023 by a narrow margin over Republican Laurie Buckhout.
What resources has Sandy Roberson raised for his campaign?
Sandy Roberson has raised nearly $2.3 million for his candidacy, including approximately $2 million from his personal funds.
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Additional Resources
- NBC News: North Carolina House Results
- Wikipedia: North Carolina
- SC Daily Gazette: 24-Year-Old City Council Member Wins SC House Race
- Google Search: North Carolina Politics
- Washington Post: North Carolina House District 1 Results
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- WBTV: Tracking 2024 Election Results North Carolina State House Races
- Google News: North Carolina House Elections
- ABC News 4: Courtney Waters Wins South Carolina House District 113
- Google Scholar: North Carolina Elections
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.
