Voters in North Carolina will head to the polls Tuesday for one of the first statewide primaries of the year. A closely watched contest is unfolding in the state’s fourth congressional district, where incumbent Rep. Valerie Foushee is facing a challenge from Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam.
Outside Money Seeks Influence
The race between Foushee and Allam has drawn significant financial support from outside political action committees and donors, reflecting a broader effort to shape the Democratic caucus in Congress. American Priorities has spent over $500,000 supporting Allam, while a group connected to the artificial intelligence company Anthropic has invested over $1 million in support of Foushee.
Allam, backed by Vermont’s independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, is campaigning as a more progressive alternative to Foushee, advocating for stronger stances on issues like immigration enforcement and Israel’s war in Gaza. Foushee, seeking her third term, has the endorsement of dozens of Democratic elected officials, including Gov. Josh Stein and former Gov. Roy Cooper.
Key Policy Differences
The candidates differ on immigration policy, with Allam calling for the abolition of ICE and Foushee advocating for defunding and reforming the agency. On the issue of Gaza, Allam, North Carolina’s first Muslim woman elected official, has criticized Foushee’s past support for Israel, while Foushee has taken steps to distance herself from the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC.
The fourth congressional district is considered heavily Democratic, meaning the winner of the primary is virtually guaranteed to win in November. The race also highlights emerging issues like the impact of data centers powered by artificial intelligence, with Allam calling for a national moratorium on new construction and Foushee suggesting decisions are best left to local leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is at stake in this primary?
The primary will determine which Democratic candidate—either incumbent Rep. Valerie Foushee or Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam—will likely represent North Carolina’s fourth congressional district in the November general election.
Who is supporting Nida Allam’s campaign?
Nida Allam is backed by Vermont’s independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Sanders-aligned Justice Democrats group, and organizations like American Priorities and Leaders We Deserve.
What are the key differences between the candidates?
Allam and Foushee differ on issues such as immigration enforcement, with Allam advocating for abolishing ICE and Foushee supporting reforms, and on Israel’s war in Gaza, with Allam criticizing Foushee’s past support for Israel.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, will the desire for established leadership or a call for more progressive change ultimately decide the outcome of this pivotal primary?
