A Family Tradition of Service
Laurie Buckhout’s career in the U.S. Army was almost a family calling. Coming from a long line of combat veterans that includes her father, an Infantry Colonel, and her mother, an Army Air Corps Flight Nurse, a life of service was deeply ingrained. Buckhout, who was born in Virginia, attended James Madison University on an ROTC scholarship before being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps in 1984. This began a 26-year journey in uniform that would take her from staff positions at the White House to a combat command role in Iraq. Over her career, she earned numerous awards, including the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Service Medal. She retired in 2010 with the rank of Colonel, having served as the Army's first Chief
of Electronic Warfare.
From Colonel to CEO
After retiring from the military, Buckhout transitioned her expertise in electronic warfare and cybersecurity into a successful business career. She founded Corvus Consulting, a strategic consulting firm specializing in those exact fields for the defense industry. As President and CEO, she grew the company significantly before selling it in 2019. Her work established her as a prominent thought leader in defense technology, frequently speaking at industry events and advising on national spectrum policy. This chapter cemented her reputation not just as a military leader, but as a savvy entrepreneur who could translate battlefield knowledge into boardroom success.
Entering the Political Arena
In recent years, Buckhout has pivoted from the private sector to politics, moving to Edenton, North Carolina, in 2021. A self-described constitutional conservative, she made her first run for Congress in 2024, narrowly losing to incumbent Democrat Don Davis in North Carolina's 1st Congressional District. After a brief stint in the Trump administration in 2025 as a senior official shaping cyber policy, she announced she would run for the same seat again in 2026. Citing a redrawn district map seen as more favorable to Republicans, she won the primary in March 2026 and is currently in a closely watched general election race. Her campaign frames her as a fighter and an outsider, contrasting her military and business background with career politicians.
Core Campaign Issues
Buckhout's political platform is built on what she calls an "America First Agenda." Key priorities include securing the U.S. border, lowering costs for families, and bolstering national defense. Drawing on her background, she advocates for strong support for the military and veterans, promising to ensure they receive proper care after their service. She also emphasizes support for North Carolina's farmers and fishermen by aiming to cut regulations. On social issues, she has stated she is anti-abortion with exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother, and believes the Department of Education should be eliminated to return control to states and communities.
