Foushee leads Allam in Democratic NC primary, but race likely headed for recount
The Democratic primary for North Carolina’s bluest congressional district is likely headed to a recount after U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee led her challenger, Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam, by less than 1% on Tuesday night, according to unofficial results.
Foushee, however, declared victory in a statement, saying she was “deeply humbled to have the opportunity to represent this district for another term.”
There are still outstanding military and provisional ballots to be counted, and the Associated Press has not called a winner in the race.
Speaking to her supporters at a watch party in downtown Durham, Allam said she expected the race to go to a recount.
“We’ve got a little longer to hang on, but I’m confident that our hard work will pay off, because corporate donors may outspend us, but they can never outsmart or outwork (us),” she said. “... So though we go to bed tonight without the full results, we will keep exercising our right to dream, and we will bring home a victory for the working families of North Carolina in the days ahead.”
In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Foushee said she welcomes a recount.
“It is critical to our democracy that every lawful vote is counted in our elections,” she said. “I welcome the opportunity to ensure that right is protected, and am confident that the Democratic voters of North Carolina will have nominated me to serve a third term.”
At Allam’s watch party, Kyle Barber, a 24-year-old Durham resident, said that despite what he sees as a likely loss, he is proud of the campaign and hopes Allam’s run still sends a message about how powerful individuals are to make a change.
“This is never how you want to see it go, but it’s been so close, and it feels like an emotional rollercoaster in this room,” Barber said. “We’re running out of options, but it’s within that 1% margin so we can request a recount. It’s kind of crushing to lose and have it be this close. It’s pretty exhausting to exist right now and just be a human in this country.”
A race between two self-proclaimed progressives
The race between the two women — both of whom claim to be the progressive leader the state needs to stand up to President Donald Trump — has grown especially heated as millions of dollars in outside spending have poured in from interest groups.
The two have publicly sparred over the Israel-Hamas war, campaign contributions and allegations of a defamatory attack ad.
Foushee is a longstanding figure in North Carolina politics and has campaigned on her long career in public service and her involvement in leadership in Congress.
She has the backing of the state’s top Democrats, including Gov. Josh Stein and former Gov. Roy Cooper — who is running for U.S. Senate.
Allam, meanwhile has positioned herself as an anti-establishment figure who argues that mainstream Democrats have failed to mount a meaningful resistance to Trump.
She’s been endorsed by a variety of progressive advocacy groups as well as U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who campaigned with her in Durham last month.
Whoever wins the primary is all but guaranteed to serve in Congress, given the historic dominance of Democrats in the 4th district, which encompasses Durham and Orange counties and parts of Wake and Chatham.
Allam supporters rally in Durham
Attendees for Allam’s results party started to trickle into the dimly lit industrial-style event space The Fruit around 7:45 p.m. on election night in Durham.
Durham political organizer Ryan Long, 27, was among the earlier arrivals. He said his support for Allam stems from what he sees as her true commitment to progressive values and her refusal of corporate donations.
“Like many young people, we’re looking for a representative that will truly reflect our values here in one of the most progressive districts in the country,” Long said. “It’s important we have an elected official who is loud on the front lines, and willing to not just keel over, but rather play hardball and pull out all the stops to stop this administration. That’s not something we’re really seeing from Rep. Foushee.”
Standing next to Long was Kema Leonard, 23, who serves as president of the Young Democrats of Guilford County.
“She’s standing 10 toes down on what she believes is right,” Leonard said. “She doesn’t change that for anyone, and ... she doesn’t take a dime from corporate PACs or corporations. ... I guess everybody wants an (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) in their own state, right? I think Allam is really doing that for us.”
A spokesperson for Foushee told The News & Observer that the congresswoman was having a private watch party.
In her statement declaring victory, Foushee thanked her supporters and reiterated her support for progressive policies.
“The people of the 4th District demand progressive change like dismantling ICE, ensuring Medicare for All, regulating AI, establishing a Green New Deal, and passing legislation to block arms sales to Israel,” she said. “This remains my top priority in Congress—no matter what narrative out-of-state groups attempt to cast about my voting record.”
An expensive rematch
This year’s election was a rematch for Allam and Foushee, who first faced off in 2022 in an equally contentious contest that became the most expensive Democratic congressional primary in North Carolina history.
Foushee, who benefited from millions in outside spending from Israel-aligned PACs and a now-jailed cryptocurrency billionaire, won that race by 9 points.
In her campaign this year, Allam has frequently attacked Foushee’s fundraising history and accused her of being beholden to corporate interests or right-wing lobbies.
Facing criticism of her past support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee over Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Foushee pledged not to accept contributions from AIPAC this year, Indy Week reported.
She has, however, continued to take donations from PACs associated with a variety of corporations, including defense contractors like Lockheed Martin.
And in the week leading up to the primary, a flood of money came in from a pro-Foushee PAC with ties to an artificial intelligence company.
As for Allam, her opponent has criticized outside spending on her behalf from a new progressive PAC founded by Parkland, Florida, high school shooting survivor David Hogg.
Foushee criticized that PAC, called Leaders we Deserve, for accepting contributions from billionaires in the past.
Both candidates have benefited heavily from outside spending this year, with NC Newsline reporting that the race once again broke fundraising records as nearly $4.5 million in PAC money has poured in.
This story was originally published March 3, 2026 at 8:54 PM.
