Rep. Don Davis (D., N.C.) has built his political brand around his identity as an eastern North Carolinian, frequently touting his local roots in the state's only swing district. Yet 90 percent of the individual donations to the Democrat came from out of state last quarter.
As a 5th-generation eastern North Carolinian, Davis has often spoken about his experiences growing up in the region, including cropping tobacco with his uncles and ministering at the same church his grandmother prayed in. However, campaign finance records show that of the roughly $360,000 Davis raised between January and March, just $37,000, about 10 percent, came from in-state donors.
Campaign Finance Discrepancy
This disconnect comes as Davis heads into another highly competitive election cycle. He won reelection in 2024 by less than 2 percentage points and is considered to be among the most vulnerable House Democrats. The National Congressional Districts have been redrawn, making reelection harder for Davis, according to NC Newsline.
The Federal Election Commission reports that the preceding quarter was even more lopsided: Davis received only about $10,000 from North Carolina contributors out of roughly $160,000 in individual donations overall, or about 6 percent. This has raised questions about the sources of Davis' campaign funding and his connection to his constituents.
Davis is set to face Trump-endorsed Republican Laurie Buckhout in November, a rematch of their 2024 contest. Davis' campaign did not respond to a request for comment.