Saturday, September 5, 2026
By Mark Jurkowitz | Outer Banks Voice on August 31, 2026
Laurie Buckhout, the Republican candidate for North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District seat in November, has been suspended and fined by the prediction market platform Kalshi for betting on herself to win that election.
In the announcement, Kalshi described Buckhout as a “direct decision maker” with “direct influence” on the outcome of her bet, reporting that it suspended Buckhout from trading for three years and assessed a fine of $2,598,66. The announcement also stated that Buckhout “cooperated with the inquiry into this trading activity” and agreed to the penalties.
In a statement reported by other news outlets, Buckhout said “I bet on myself. It was a dumb mistake. As soon as I learned there was an issue, I worked to make it right. Safe to say my career as a Kalshi trader was short-lived.”
Don Davis, the incumbent 1st District Democrat facing Buckhout in November, released a statement criticizing her for “treat[ing] a congressional election as an opportunity to cash in,” calling her actions a “disqualifying breach of public trust.”
In 2025, the North Carolina legislature redrew the 1st Congressional District map in order to provide a Republican candidate with a better chance to win. In that redistricting, Dare and Hyde Counties, which had been in the 3rd Congressional District, were moved to the new 1st District.
In March 2026, Buckhout emerged victorious with about 40% of the vote in a hotly contested five-candidate Republican primary field. This November’s contest is a rematch between Buckhout and Davis, with Davis narrowly winning by about 6,000 votes in 2024. Libertarian candidate Tom Bailey is also seeking that 1st District seat in the upcoming election.
Comments
Craig
Tom Bailey it is.
A Hard No
I’m a Republican and I voted for her in the primary based on what appeared to be a solid background. I will not vote to be governed by gamblers, period. I am alarmed by the growing popularity among lawmakers to tap new revenue streams from vice — gambling and marijuana. A legislator willing to gamble on political or legislative outcomes cannot be trusted. Congress is a failed institution dominated by performative personalities who care nothing about negotiating to solve our problems — in particular, the looming 20% cut in social security benefits come 2032. We desperately need a Congress willing to actually legislate, not to bet on outcomes. Ms. Buckhout should step down.
Vince H
She’s got my vote. The irony of being shamed for betting on yourself.
Greg
Vote Davis, he is a dedicated public servant from NE NC.
charlie
a stupid blunder.?….What does this say about her?