United States House Rep. Congressman Don Davis Born is a Democrat member of the U.S. House, representing North Carolina District 1.
Davis assumed office on Jan. 3, 2023.
As of July 26, 2023, Davis has declined to say whether he will run for re-election in 2024. Davis’ ultimate decision may hinge on the outcome of redrawn congressional district maps in North Carolina.
The proposed new districts were the key focus of a Supreme Court ruling, which ruled that state courts can curtail the actions of their legislatures when it comes to federal redistricting and elections, rejecting arguments by North Carolina Republicans that could have dramatically altered races for Congress and president in that state and beyond.
Personal Background
Davis was raised in Snow Hill, North Carolina, where he grew up working in tobacco fields. Don is a veteran, educator, minister, and dedicated public servant. He lives in Greene County, NC, with his wife Yuvonka and three sons: Ryan, Justin, and Kyler.
North Carolina District 1
North Carolina’s 1st congressional district is covers the northeastern region of the state, it extends southward into several counties of the Inner Banks and the Research Triangle, just east of Raleigh and Durham. It covers many rural areas of northeastern North Carolina, among the state’s most economically poor, as well as outer exurbs of urbanized Research Triangle. It contains towns and cities such as Greenville, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Goldsboro, Henderson, and Roanoke Rapids.
House Committees
- Committee on Agriculture
- Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development
- General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit
- Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry
- Committee on Armed Services
- Military Personnel
- Readiness
Education
After graduating from high school, Davis attended the United States Air Force Academy, and was commissioned into the Air Force where he served for 8 years.
Political Career
Davis, a military veteran, began his career in public service by assuming the role of Snow Hill’s youngest Mayor at the age of 29. During his tenure as Mayor of Snow Hill, Davis focused on restoring public trust in the government by revitalizing the local economy and investing in infrastructure projects. His initiatives included filling potholes and expanding high-speed internet accessibility.
In 2008, Don decided to run for the North Carolina State Senate, a race he won.
One of Davis’ primary legislative agendas has been to bridge the digital divide by advocating for the expansion of high-speed internet services. He also pushed for increased teacher pay, and fought to ensure that military pensions remain tax-exempt
Davis’ legislative achievements extended to the healthcare sector as well. He successfully secured over $215 million in funding for the Eastern Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, enhancing access to quality healthcare services in rural North Carolina.
Professional Career Prior to Congress
As a 1st Lieutenant, Don coordinated Air Force One operations at Andrews Air Force Base and supported families of military members killed in action as a mortuary officer.
While stationed at Air Force ROTC Detachment 600, Don returned to eastern North Carolina as an assistant professor of Aerospace Studies at East Carolina University instructing national security affairs and leadership courses. As an educator for over 20 years, Don mentored thousands of students as they completed their studies.
Sponsored Legislation, Amendments, Bills, Resolutions
- H.R.4518 – To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers of veterans, and for other purposes.
- H.R.4109 – Honor and Remember Flag Recognition Act.
- H.R.3809 – Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023.
- H.R.3085 – Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act.
- H.R.3084 – Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act.
- H.R.1697 – Promoting Precision Agriculture Act of 2023.
- H.R.1237 – Sarah Keys Evans Congressional Gold Medal Act.
- H.Res.122 – Expressing support for States to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to close the Medicaid coverage gap.
Since 2004, O’Hern has worked with political campaigns in roles ranging from major projects involving nationwide digital marketing for U.S. Presidential candidates, U.S. Congressmen, state governors, and state representatives. O’Hern’s journalism background includes news reporting and editing for various organizations and news publications in Alabama and Florida since 2002. O’Hern graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala with a degree in journalism and a minor in political science.