Carteret Sheriff Asa Buck announces candidacy for new First Congressional District seat

By Submitted Story on November 18, 2025

Carteret Sheriff Asa Buck

The Republican primary race to represent the newly drawn First Congressional District got more crowded on Tuesday, Nov. 18 with Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck’s announcement that he would seek that seat.

Buck joins other announced Republican candidates for the seat—NC State Senator Bobby Hanig, Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson and Vice-chair of the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners Eric Rouse. The new map moves Dare and Hyde Counties from the current Third District to the new First District. A lawsuit has been filed challenging that redistricting.

Here are excerpts from the Buck announcement.

After over two decades of law enforcement service, Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck today announced he will seek the Republican nomination for Congress in North Carolina’s newly drawn District 1.

Buck says that recent political events were a big part of his decision to run for Congress.

“From radical socialists being elected to run America’s major cities to the horrifying political assassination of Charlie Kirk, there is little doubt that America is at a political crossroads. The time has come for principled leaders to step up and offer themselves for service. The people of Eastern North Carolina must have a strong voice in Congress to make sure their values are protected and the America First Agenda is implemented.”

Buck’s term as Sheriff ends next year, so his plans are to file for retirement when his eligibility begins the first of the year and oversee the transition at the Sheriff’s Office during the retirement administrative process.

Buck said that he would be proud to champion Trump’s support of law enforcement and the President’s focus on stopping the flow of illegal drugs into America.  “I’ve spent over two decades locking up drug dealers and keeping drugs off our streets.”   In his first year in office, Buck started a prescription drug collection program he branded “Pills Can Kill” that encouraged citizens to turn in their unused and outdated prescription drugs. The program also highlighted the dangers of easy access to these types of medications.  In 2017, the groundbreaking program was the impetus for Buck being presented with North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Buck notes that although the enforcement of drug laws has been a focus during his tenure as Sheriff, he has seen a serious lack of treatment options for those seeking treatment for substance abuse and the often underlying mental health issues.  “There are some people who are just criminal drug abusers.  They sell drugs; they use drugs.  They have no desire to change.  But I have seen many people who desperately want to break the cycle of drug abuse, and unfortunately, the resources to help with that process are woefully insufficient.”

Buck plans on again implementing his signature campaign style based on hard work and listening to voters that initially got him elected to office in a historical upset that at the time made him the youngest Sheriff in North Carolina.

“I went from being the youngest Sheriff in the State to now being one of the longest serving Sheriffs in the state.  Over that time I’ve learned that there is no substitute for listening to the people.  This new district encompasses 23 counties and portions of two others.  I plan on visiting every area and will do a lot more listening than talking.  This grassroots approach has worked in the past, and I have all confidence it will work again.”