Laurie Buckout, a retired Army Colonel and business owner, is running for Congress in North Carolina’s First Congressional District against Senator Don Davis and Tom Bailey. Buckout, who holds a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and two Master’s degrees, has dedicated much of her life to public service. After serving 26 years in the Army, where she commanded troops and fought in Iraq, she transitioned to the private sector, founding Corvus Consulting, a company specializing in electronic warfare and cyberspace operations. Now, she seeks to represent NC-01 in Washington, driven by what she views as pressing issues facing the district and the country.

“I am running for Congress because I don’t like the direction our country is heading,” Buckout said. “We need fighters in Congress who will stand up to the DC establishment and work on behalf of the working families of NC’s First Congressional District, and that is what I intend to do in office.”

Buckout identifies the economy as one of the most urgent issues facing the district. According to her, inflation and rising costs of living, which she attributes to “reckless spending” by the current administration, are particularly detrimental to working families. She is critical of the economic policies of Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, which she believes have contributed to record-high inflation.

“Folks in NC-1 aren’t driving pickup trucks to haul golf clubs to a country club, they’re driving pickup trucks because they need them for work,” Buckout stated. “Around here, a 45-minute commute means you’re driving 40 miles. That increase in gas prices starts to hurt after a while.”

Her approach to fixing the economy is focused on reining in federal spending and stabilizing inflation to make essential goods and services affordable for everyday North Carolinians. Buckout believes this will pave the way for job creation and economic growth in the region.

Another major issue on Buckout’s agenda is border security. She has called for the completion of the southern border wall and a return to the “Remain in Mexico” policy from the Trump administration. She believes that these measures will help control illegal immigration and address what she sees as an “invasion” of the country. In addition, Buckout advocates for increasing pay and providing more resources to Border Patrol agents to ensure they can enforce existing immigration laws.

“Illegal immigration is out of control, and our country is being invaded,” Buckout said. “We need to secure our southern border, and that starts by finishing the wall and reimplementing the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policies.”

Buckout’s stance on immigration aligns with her broader focus on national security, an area where she has significant experience from her military service. She emphasizes that secure borders are essential to protecting American jobs and ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens.

As a veteran herself, Buckout is passionate about improving care and resources for military personnel after they complete their service. She highlighted her 26 years in the Army as giving her a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by service members and their families. She vows to fight for better healthcare and benefits for veterans in Congress.

“Our troops deserve a strong leader in Congress who will fight to ensure they receive the very best care when their mission is complete,” Buckout said. “I will not rest until our veterans receive the proper care they deserve.”

Her own career after the military has been centered on supporting veterans. Her company, Corvus Consulting, employs veterans and their family members, allowing them to apply their military skills to the private sector while continuing to serve the country in different capacities.

Buckout emphasized her commitment to maintaining open communication with her constituents and ensuring transparency in her decision-making process. She plans to prioritize constituent services, regularly informing the residents of NC-01 about her work in Congress and ensuring that their concerns are addressed.

“I will continue to travel across the First District meeting with constituents,” Buckout said. “We may not always agree, but I will always take the time and work to help the people of NC-01.”

She also outlined a straightforward approach to evaluating legislation, focusing on whether a policy helps or harms working families in the district, regardless of party affiliation.

As the November election approaches, Buckout is focused on tackling the issues she believes are most pressing for the First Congressional District: fixing the economy, securing the border, and supporting veterans. Her background in the military and business, she argues, equips her with the experience and leadership necessary to represent her district in Washington.

“The key question I will always ask about any legislation is, ‘Does this help or hurt the working families of the First Congressional District?’” she concluded.

With the election just weeks away, Buckout continues to travel throughout the district, engaging with voters and laying out her platform. Her message centers on delivering practical solutions that she says will directly benefit the residents of NC-01.