Election 2026: Davis gives no answer for his per diem takes

(The Center Square) – A former North Carolina state senator received full per diem on nearly two dozen days he missed all votes, got another four-figure check after having been sworn into Congress, and chose silence for explanation to an investigation by The Center Square.

Now a member of Congress, Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis is trying to secure a third term in a district redrawn to favor a Republican winning the northeastern corner of the state for the first time since 1882. Retired Army Col. Laurie Buckhout, a Republican from Edenton and former member of the Trump administration, and Libertarian Tom Bailey of Greensboro are also on the Nov. 3 ballot for the 1st Congressional District.

Analysis by The Center Square of Davis’ per diem and voting records for six terms in the state Senate show 19 days missing all votes with per diem taken for each; $1,248 in per diems accepted the last four months of 2022 well after the final vote (July 26) of the session; and $1,352 in per diem dated in 2023 four days after being sworn into ...