Retiring US Rep. Butterfield backs Davis as his successor

U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield has endorsed state Sen. Don Davis to become his successor in North Carolina's 1st Congressional District. The retiring congressman gave Davis on Monday his seal of approval as the May 17 Democratic primary approaches. Three other Democrats are running for the nomination, including former state Sen. Erica Smith. She also ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2020. Butterfield said Davis "has the legislative experience and is prepared to fight for the Democratic agenda of empowering America’s families and communities.” Smith has portrayed herself as aligned with the Democratic Party’s liberal wing, promoting an endorsement from Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.