North Carolina, October 25, 2025
News Summary
The Republican-controlled North Carolina Legislature has approved a new congressional map affecting coastal areas, including the Outer Banks. This redistricting realigns several counties and has sparked protests from locals who claim it undermines voter representation. Political analysts suggest that this change may bolster Republican seats in Congress ahead of the 2026 elections. As debates continue regarding the fairness of the new districts, the political landscape in North Carolina is poised for significant shifts in the upcoming electoral cycle.
Raleigh, NC – The Republican-controlled North Carolina Legislature approved a new congressional map on Wednesday that will significantly impact coastal communities, including the Outer Banks. This redistricting effort has stirred considerable controversy among local residents and political analysts alike.
The new map redraws congressional districts by moving six counties previously within the 3rd Congressional District to the 1st Congressional District. These counties include Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Hyde, and Pamlico. Conversely, Green, Lenoir, Wayne, and Wilson counties have been shifted into the 3rd Congressional District.
Political experts suggest that this new district arrangement could provide Republicans an additional congressional seat in the upcoming elections. Currently, North Carolina has 14 congressional seats that include 10 Republicans and 4 Democrats. The Republican Party is aiming to expand its majority in Congress in the approaching 2026 elections, where they anticipate achieving a tally of 11 Republicans and 3 Democrats.
Protests against the congressional map changes were held in Raleigh, reflecting a majority sentiment among residents in the Outer Banks who believe the redistricting is unfair and diminishes voter representation. Many locals have expressed that decisions regarding redistricting should be determined via ballot rather than by the majority political party. The 1st Congressional District, now reconfigured, is represented by Democrat Rep. Don Davis, who narrowly defeated Republican candidate Laurie Buckhout in the 2024 election. In response to the new map’s passage, Rep. Davis criticized it as morally wrong, labeling it a dark moment in North Carolina’s history.
North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger praised the initiative, arguing it defends against Democratic strategies. It is noted by analysts that the redistricting process aligns with a national trend influenced by political pressures, including those from former President Trump. Some experts predict that the redistricting might also be intended to secure advantages in GOP-held districts ahead of the 2026 elections.
As the political atmosphere heats up, three Republican candidates have announced their intentions to run against Rep. Don Davis for the 1st Congressional District seat. These candidates—Eric Rouse, Bobby Hanig, and Sandy Roberson—are promoting their campaigns with distinct focuses, such as support for President Trump, conservative accomplishments, and tackling major issues like border security and the economy. The Republican primary for the congressional seat is scheduled for March 2026. National Republicans see NC-1 as a crucial opportunity to flip a Democratic seat in the upcoming election.
The newly drawn congressional map will be further discussed when the General Assembly reconvenes next week, with expectations that the Republican-controlled State Supreme Court will approve the changes. Meanwhile, the Democratic Governor of North Carolina, Josh Stein, has no authority over the redistricting process.
As the debate continues, the redistricting plan has ignited significant scrutiny within local communities and political parties, shaping the landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What changes were made to North Carolina’s congressional districts?
The new map affects coastal communities by moving Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Hyde, and Pamlico counties to the 1st Congressional District, while Green, Lenoir, Wayne, and Wilson counties have been added to the 3rd Congressional District.
2. Why are residents protesting the redistricting plan?
A majority of residents in the Outer Banks believe the redistricting is unfair and diminishes voter representation. Locals argue that redistricting decisions should be made via ballot rather than by the majority political party.
3. Who currently represents the 1st Congressional District?
The 1st Congressional District is currently represented by Democrat Rep. Don Davis, who narrowly won the seat in the 2024 election.
4. What is the Republican Party’s objective regarding the upcoming elections?
The Republican Party aims to expand their majority in Congress in the 2026 elections, seeking to achieve a composition of 11 Republicans and 3 Democrats in North Carolina’s 14 congressional seats.
5. What is the timeline for the Republican primary for the congressional seat?
The Republican primary for the congressional seat in the 1st Congressional District will be held in March 2026.
Key Features of the Redistricting Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Congressional Map Approval | Approved by the Republican-controlled North Carolina Legislature. |
| Affected Communities | Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico moved to 1st District; Green, Lenoir, Wayne, Wilson moved to 3rd District. |
| Congressional Representation | Current breakdown: 10 Republicans, 4 Democrats in 14 seats. |
| 2026 Elections Aim | Republicans aim to secure 11 seats, Democrats aim to retain existing representation. |
| Candidate Announcements | Three Republicans announced plans to run against Rep. Don Davis. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WTKR News
- Wikipedia: North Carolina’s congressional districts
- Carolina Journal
- Google Search: North Carolina congressional redistricting
- The Coastland Times
- Google Scholar: congressional redistricting North Carolina
- Washington Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: redistricting
- WRAL News
- Google News: 2026 North Carolina congressional elections
- Carolina Journal
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.
