A Republican-led redistricting of North Carolina is driving three of the state’s four vulnerable House Democrats out of Congress and one — Rep. Don Davis — into what will be one of Democrats’ toughest races in the state.
For years North Carolina Democrats have been losing power over the state’s democratic levers from the legislature to the courts. If Davis can pull through, his campaign tactics will be a playbook for his party, who see their only path forward through rural districts like his.
“We’re already losing three Democratic seats. To lose a fourth would have even more daunting implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House,” Democratic strategist and Duke professor Asher Hildebrand said. “This race is significant in North Carolina to at least maintain some representation for Democratic voters, for Black voters in the congressional delegation.”