The Republican nominee in a competitive House race in North Carolina was suspended from the Kalshi trading platform after placing bets on her own contest. Laurie Buckhout, an Army veteran and retired colonel, purchased less than $1,000 of contracts related to her own candidacy, violating platform rules against insider information. Kalshi announced a three-year ban and a fine of nearly $2,600. Ms. Buckhout expressed remorse, calling the action a "dumb mistake." She is running in North Carolina’s First Congressional District against Representative Don Davis, a Democrat whose district was redrawn to include conservative areas.

The Cook Political Report rates the seat "lean Republican," making it a key pickup opportunity. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee quickly criticized her, calling her "Lyin’ Laurie." Kalshi has faced increased scrutiny over prediction market integrity as online gambling proliferates. On Monday, the platform also issued a lifelong ban to former Congressman George Santos for insider trading.

A regulatory agency found Mr. Santos suggested attending the 2026 State of the Union, then skipped the event and collected about $17,000 from bets against his appearance.