In one of the tightest U.S. House races in the nation, Buckhout and Davis are fighting to win the only truly competitive congressional race North Carolina. In the 1st Congressional District like just about every corner of the nation, economy – regardless of iteration as personal wealth, jobs, consumer prices or inflation – is top of mind for voters. 

According to a new Carolina Journal poll, nearly half of all likely North Carolina voters polled said either inflation/prices or jobs/economy were their top priorities.

Buckhout says the the American economy is “broken,” and the way to fix that and help struggling families is “America first” policies.

“The Biden-Davis agenda created devastating inflation rates and made the cost of living unaffordable in eastern North Carolina,” her campaign website says. “Laurie will fight for working families who can’t afford another year of rising costs at the gas pump and grocery store. As a small business owner, Laurie knows what it takes to balance a budget and create American jobs. Rural communities like ours have seen the devastating effects of outsourcing good jobs. Laurie will fight to bring back jobs here in rural communities.”

Davis has been aligned with the Biden administration and its economic priorities, recently endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

“Don has been working to improve the quality of life for families in eastern North Carolina,” his campaign website says. “Our region has suffered from years of underinvestment and policies from Washington, D.C., that have disregarded the actual needs of rural communities. Don advocates for action to bring back good-paying jobs, support small businesses, and bolster North Carolina’s agriculture.”

According to Davis’ website, the solution to North Carolina’s economic struggles will be more financial investments in communities.

“He is pushing for essential investments to enable eastern North Carolina to thrive, including ensuring access to high-speed broadband, which drives investment in small businesses and industry,” it said. “Additionally, Don is working to create opportunities for children in rural communities.”

Buckhout has said that drastic changes are needed in the district, which has not voted a Republican U.S. House candidate into office since 1883.

“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have DEVASTATED our country AND our state,” she said on social media. “And with Liberal Don Davis, it’s more of the same failed policies.”

Only by voting in Republicans will the nation, and District 1, “reverse course” and see real change, Buckhout said.

She makes sure to lump Davis in with the Biden, who along with Harris has promoted Bidenomics and celebrated what they say is its success. Interestingly, Harris’ campaign bus brandishes “a new way forward.” 

“Here in North Carolina, Joe Biden and the Biden agenda have one name, and that’s Don Davis. Davis has enabled Joe Biden’s failures,” she said in a statement. “But I am ready and able to take on Don Davis to fight for working families in NC-01 by … fighting for the America First Agenda that protects and promotes American jobs.” 

Comments on inflation or the economy have been largely lacking from Davis’ statements on social media.

Yet, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Davis has prioritized job growth and funneling federal funding and grants into North Carolina.

“Congressman Davis recognizes that things have gotten more challenging for families like his, and for many in eastern North Carolina, the American dream has never felt more out of reach,” his official U.S. House website said. “That’s why he is pushing policies in Washington, D.C., to rebuild an economy that works for everyone by creating good-paying jobs, protecting the dignity of work, and fighting for fair wages and equitable employment practices in the workplace for all North Carolinians.”

With just 46 days until Election Day, the seat remains a toss-up. Davis is predicted to win.