Rep. Don Davis Considers Senate Run

Today, Politico reported that Congressman Don Davis is seriously considering a run for the U.S. Senate. If Davis runs for Senate, North Carolina’s most competitive House seat would provide a pickup opportunity for Republicans.

After the retirement announcement of Thom Tillis, Rep. Don Davis’s spokesman confirmed that the Congressman is now considering a run for the U.S. Senate. Davis was first elected to the House in 2022 and previously served in the North Carolina Senate for five two-year terms. He previously served as the mayor of Snow Hill after leaving the Air Force.

Back in 2019, the N.C. Senator Davis was targeted by the left for his occasional votes on pro-life legislation, leading some to view him as a moderate. However, in the U.S. House, Davis has been a loyal Democrat foot soldier, voting against tax cuts and immigration enforcement. Additionally, it remains to be seen if Davis’s moderate demeanor will mesh with the Democrat Party primary voters who want Democrat elected officials to “fight.”

Political Implication

The public confirmation by Davis’s team will likely put further pressure on Gov. Roy Cooper to make a final decision. Cooper’s team has said that they will make a final decision on a Senate run in the coming weeks. If Cooper declines to run for Senate, the public consideration by Davis is designed to attract attention but will unlikely clear the Democrat field.

If Davis runs for Senate, North Carolina’s First Congressional District will be an open seat, and Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson (R) has already announced his campaign for this seat. This could be a prime pickup opportunity for Republicans to expand their House majority.