Colonel (Ret.) Laurie Buckhout (R) is campaigning throughout Congressional District 1 to unseat incumbent Rep. Don Davis (D) in the 2024 election. The self-described constitutional conservative believes her military background provides her with leadership skills that would benefit her constituents. She also believes the current Republican Party is fractured.

"Some folks threw a grenade and it threw the party into chaos,” said Buckhout referring to the ousting of Kevin McCarthy from his role as Speaker of the House. “It threw Congress into chaos and it made us look terrible going into some very important midterm elections. We look like a bunch of clowns. So we really need to learn to come quietly together.”

In an exclusive sit down with Neuse News, Buckhout expressed concerns about the current state of Congress, criticizing what she perceives as ego-driven actions and a lack of effective leadership that has led to a fractured Republican Party.

“Come together and stop showboating,” said Buckhout. “Stop looking at every opportunity for the camera up there. I’m a work horse, not a show horse.”

Her upbringing in a military family, as both of her parents were World War II veterans, and her career in the military heavily influenced her views. Prior to retiring from the army in 2010, Buckhout received military awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), and several awards of Joint and Army Commendation and Achievement Medals and well as other various service awards.

"Growing up in the military as a woman surrounded by ego... you really had to work around it and refuse to let it impact you," she said. “Lead, follow, or get out of the way. Frankly, I’m good at both. If I’m not in charge, I’ll be a good follower. I’ll help the boss get things going in the right direction. If I’m in charge, I’ll pull people around me.”

Buckhout advocates for reduced government regulation and criticizes current energy and economic policies, arguing they harm American families and businesses.

“I'm a Reagan Republican,” she said. “My first vote ever was for Ronald Reagan. You got to stop the spending. The debt is so insane. The interest on the debt, all of it’s contributing to inflation. As far as legislation and laws go, I’m big into ‘less is more’.”

Recently, former President Donald Trump called the men and women convicted and imprisoned for their part in the Capitol Building events on January 6, 2021, hostages. Buckhout questions the media's portrayal and suggests there is political bias in the treatment of those involved.

"I don't think hostage is necessarily the right word, but I do think that the level of imprisonment and the level of punishment applied to these people versus what was applied across the United States seems to be askew, and it's something that we need to look into."

Buckhout supports former President Donald Trump, citing his vision for America. She also recognizes the leadership qualities of state governors.

“I’m going to give my support to Donald Trump,” she said. “I think he has had the best vision for America, but most importantly, I’m a pragmatist. I think he’s going to get the votes. I think he’s going to run away with the nomination.”

She emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility, advocating for a reduction in government spending and criticizing excessive regulation.

“Everyone's crazy to legislate, legislate, legislate,” she said. “Remember Ronald Reagan, deregulate, deregulate, deregulate capitalism. A country flourishes best with the least regulation of capitalism. Government doesn't build jobs. You build jobs.”

Buckhout contrasts her approach to leadership with that of Davis, implying he avoids responsibility in tough situations and aligns too closely with Democratic policies, particularly on open borders.

“If you take a look at Rep. Don Davis’s voting record, that's going to tell you a lot. I believe he's voted maybe 8% of the time up in Congress. He likes to step away when issues get hard. My job is not to step away and avoid the responsibility. My job would be to take that on and ‘woman up’ if you will.”

Buckhout will face Sandy Smith in the Republican Primary on March 5, 2024. The winner of the Republican Primary will face Davis, and Tom Bailey (LIB) on November 5, 2024.