Valerie Foushee

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Valerie Foushee
BornValerie Jean Paige
7 5, 1956
BirthplaceChapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician
Known forFirst African American and first woman to represent North Carolina's 4th congressional district
EducationUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA)
Spouse(s)Stanley Foushee
Children2
Website[Official House website Official site]

Valerie Jean Foushee (Template:IPAc-en; née Paige; born May 7, 1956) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 4th congressional district since January 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Foushee rose through North Carolina state politics over the course of more than a decade before winning election to Congress, where she succeeded the long-serving David Price. Born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, she served in the North Carolina House of Representatives for the 50th district in 2012 and was subsequently appointed to represent the 23rd senatorial district in the North Carolina Senate in 2013, a seat she held until taking office in Washington. Foushee is the first African American and the first woman to represent North Carolina's 4th congressional district in the U.S. Congress.[1] In Congress, she has aligned with the New Democrat Coalition and has focused on issues including education, diversity in professional fields, and the concerns of working families.

Early Life

Valerie Jean Paige was born on May 7, 1956, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.[2] She grew up in the Chapel Hill area, a community shaped by the presence of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a region with a long and complex history regarding race relations and civil rights in the American South. Details regarding her parents and childhood beyond her birthplace remain limited in available public records. She later married Stanley Foushee, and the couple have two children.[2]

Chapel Hill and the surrounding Orange County area would remain central to Foushee's life and political career. The region, anchored by the University of North Carolina and the broader Research Triangle, has historically leaned progressive within North Carolina politics, providing a political environment in which Foushee would eventually build her career in public service.

Education

Foushee attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[2] The university, one of the oldest public universities in the United States, is located in her hometown and has served as a significant institution in the broader community where Foushee has spent much of her life and career. Specific details regarding her field of study or year of graduation are not documented in available public sources.

Career

Early Political Career and Local Government

Before entering the North Carolina General Assembly, Foushee was involved in local governance in Orange County. She served on the Orange County Board of Commissioners, building experience in local government that would form the foundation of her later career in state and federal politics.[2] Her work on the county commission provided her with direct experience in addressing community-level issues in the Chapel Hill and Orange County area.

North Carolina House of Representatives

In 2012, Foushee ran for a seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives representing the 50th district. She won the Democratic primary held on May 8, 2012, and subsequently won the general election on November 6, 2012, succeeding Bill Faison as the district's representative.[3][4]

Foushee's tenure in the North Carolina House was brief but served as an important stepping stone. She took office in January 2013, representing the 50th House district for several months before a new opportunity arose in the state Senate.

North Carolina Senate

In September 2013, Foushee was selected to replace Senator Eleanor Kinnaird, who had resigned from the 23rd senatorial district seat in the North Carolina Senate.[5] Her appointment to the Senate meant she vacated her House seat after less than a year in office; Graig Meyer succeeded her in the 50th House district.[5]

As a state senator, Foushee represented the 23rd district, which encompassed portions of Orange County and the surrounding area. She served in the North Carolina Senate from September 13, 2013, through January 1, 2023, a tenure spanning nearly a decade.[5][6]

During her time in the state Senate, Foushee won reelection in multiple consecutive election cycles. In 2014, she won the general election for the 23rd senatorial district.[7] She was reelected in 2016,[8] 2018,[9] and 2020.[10] Throughout her Senate career, she served on various legislative committees as documented by the North Carolina General Assembly.[11]

Her consistent reelection margins in the 23rd senatorial district reflected the solidly Democratic composition of the Orange County–based seat. Graig Meyer succeeded her in the state Senate after she departed for Congress in 2023.

2022 Congressional Campaign

In 2022, following the announcement by longtime U.S. Representative David Price that he would not seek reelection, Foushee entered the race for North Carolina's 4th congressional district. The district, which encompasses the Research Triangle area including Durham and Chapel Hill, had been represented by Price since 1997 (and from 1987 to 1995 before that).

The Democratic primary for the seat, held on May 17, 2022, was competitive. Foushee faced several challengers in the primary contest.[12] The race attracted significant outside spending, with super PAC dollars playing a notable role in the primary.[13] Foushee prevailed in the primary and went on to win the general election in November 2022, as the heavily Democratic district favored the party's nominee.[14]

With her election, Foushee became the first African American and the first woman to represent North Carolina's 4th congressional district in the U.S. Congress, a historic milestone for the district that had been represented exclusively by white men since its creation.[15]

U.S. House of Representatives

Foushee took office on January 3, 2023, succeeding David Price as the representative for North Carolina's 4th congressional district.[14] In Congress, she became affiliated with the New Democrat Coalition, a caucus of moderate and pro-growth Democrats within the House.[16]

During her first term, Foushee engaged in committee work and addressed issues including diversity within professional education programs. In February 2023, she questioned witnesses regarding diversity within pilot education programs during a committee hearing, focusing on expanding access and representation in aviation education.[17]

Foushee also aligned herself with the Congressional Progressive Caucus and other left-of-center groups in the Democratic conference on certain issues, though her primary affiliation remained with the New Democrat Coalition.

2026 State of the Union Boycott

On February 23, 2026, Foushee announced that she would boycott President Donald Trump's State of the Union address scheduled for the following day. This marked the second consecutive year she declined to attend the address, citing concerns related to working families and opposition to the Trump administration's policies.[18][19][20]

2026 Primary Challenge

In the 2026 election cycle, Foushee faces a primary challenge from Nida Allam, a former Durham County commissioner, for the Democratic nomination in North Carolina's 4th congressional district. The race has drawn national attention due to significant outside spending from various super PACs.[13][21]

The 2022 primary dynamics have resurfaced as a campaign issue, with reporting noting that Foushee benefited from millions in super PAC dollars during her initial congressional run. In the 2026 cycle, however, her challenger has attracted substantial outside financial support, and a new super PAC has launched specifically to counter AIPAC-aligned spending in Democratic primaries, with Foushee's race identified as one of its initial targets.[22][13]

Both candidates have responded to questions regarding their campaigns and policy platforms from local media outlets in the district.[23]

Legislative Record and Policy Positions

Foushee's legislative record across her state and federal career has encompassed a range of issues. Her voting record and bill sponsorship in the North Carolina General Assembly are documented through legislative tracking services.[24] Federal campaign finance records maintained by the Federal Election Commission document her congressional campaign fundraising and expenditures.[25]

As a member of the New Democrat Coalition, Foushee has positioned herself within the centrist-to-moderate wing of the Democratic caucus on economic issues, while maintaining progressive stances on social policy matters consistent with her district's political leanings.[26]

Personal Life

Foushee resides in the Chapel Hill area of North Carolina, where she has lived for much of her life. She is married to Stanley Foushee, and the couple have two children.[2] Stanley Foushee has also been involved in local governance in Orange County. The Foushee family's deep roots in the Chapel Hill community have been a consistent element of Valerie Foushee's political identity throughout her career.

Foushee's connection to Chapel Hill extends from her birth in the city through her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her subsequent career in local and state government representing the area.

Recognition

Foushee's election to Congress in 2022 was itself a landmark event, as she became the first African American and the first woman elected to represent North Carolina's 4th congressional district.[14] This distinction was noted in local and statewide media coverage of her election.

Her career trajectory — from the Orange County Board of Commissioners through the North Carolina House and Senate to the U.S. Congress — has been recognized as reflective of a steady progression through public service in North Carolina's political landscape. The North Carolina General Assembly's records of African American legislators document her place in the state's legislative history.[27]

Legacy

Foushee's service as the first African American and first woman to represent North Carolina's 4th congressional district marks a notable chapter in the political history of the Research Triangle region. The 4th district, which encompasses major academic and research institutions and a diverse population, had been represented for decades by David Price, making Foushee's election in 2022 a significant generational and demographic shift for the district.

Her path from local county government through the state legislature to Congress follows a traditional progression in American politics, and her career has spanned a period of significant political change in North Carolina. The state has experienced increasing partisan polarization and demographic shifts, particularly in its urban and suburban areas, during Foushee's years in public office.

As of 2026, Foushee continues to serve in Congress while facing a competitive primary challenge, a dynamic that reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party regarding issues of outside spending, policy direction, and generational change.[13][28]

References

  1. ↑ "African Americans in the North Carolina General Assembly, 1868–2013".North Carolina General Assembly.http://www.ncleg.net/library/Documents/African-Americans.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Valerie Foushee's Biography".Vote Smart.https://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/93091/valerie-foushee#.XMT-_ZNKiXU.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ "Election Results — 05/08/2012 — NC House District 50".North Carolina State Board of Elections.https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=05/08/2012&county_id=0&office=NCH&contest=1053.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "Election Results — 11/06/2012 — NC House District 50".North Carolina State Board of Elections.https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/06/2012&county_id=0&office=NCH&contest=1234.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Rep. Valerie Foushee Selected to Replace Sen. Ellie Kinnaird".Indy Week.https://indyweek.com/news/northcarolina/rep.-valerie-foushee-selected-replace-sen.-ellie-kinnaird/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "Member Committees — Senator Valerie Foushee".North Carolina General Assembly.https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Committees/S/383.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Election Results — 11/04/2014 — NC Senate District 23".North Carolina State Board of Elections.https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/04/2014&county_id=0&office=NCS&contest=1081.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Election Results — 11/08/2016 — NC Senate District 23".North Carolina State Board of Elections.https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/08/2016&county_id=0&office=NCS&contest=1048.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Election Results — 11/06/2018 — NC Senate District 23".North Carolina State Board of Elections.https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/06/2018&county_id=0&office=NCS&contest=1146.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Election Results — 11/03/2020 — NC Senate District 23".North Carolina State Board of Elections.https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/03/2020&county_id=0&office=NCS&contest=1314.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Member Committees — Senator Valerie Foushee".North Carolina General Assembly.https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Committees/S/383.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Election Results — 05/17/2022 — US House District 4".North Carolina State Board of Elections.https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=05/17/2022&county_id=0&office=FED&contest=2099.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 "North Carolina Congressional Race Shows Perils of Big-Money Support".The American Prospect.2026-02-20.https://prospect.org/2026/02/20/north-carolina-congressional-race-big-money-aipac-foushee-allam/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "Projection: Valerie Foushee Elected to Congress, Will Succeed Retiring Rep. Price".Chapelboro.https://chapelboro.com/local-election-coverage/projection-valerie-foushee-elected-to-congress-will-succeed-retiring-rep-price.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Projection: Valerie Foushee Elected to Congress, Will Succeed Retiring Rep. Price".Chapelboro.https://chapelboro.com/local-election-coverage/projection-valerie-foushee-elected-to-congress-will-succeed-retiring-rep-price.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "New Dem Action Fund Candidates".New Democrat Coalition Action Fund.http://newdemactionfund.com/candidates.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Congresswoman Valerie Foushee".Office of Congresswoman Valerie Foushee.https://foushee.house.gov/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Rep. Foushee to Boycott Trump's State of the Union Address".Office of Congresswoman Valerie Foushee.2026-02-23.https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-foushee-to-boycott-trumps-state-of-the-union-address.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "US Rep. Valerie Foushee to boycott Trump's State of the Union address again".WRAL.2026-02-23.https://www.wral.com/news/nccapitol/valerie-foushee-north-carolina-democrat-boycott-trump-state-of-the-union-february-2026/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "NC Rep. Foushee will boycott State of the Union for second straight year".Raleigh News & Observer.2026-02-23.https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article314811815.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Nida Allam challenges incumbent Valerie Foushee in the Democratic primary for Congress".WUNC News.2026-02-23.https://www.wunc.org/2026-02-23/nida-allam-challenges-incumbent-valerie-foushee-in-the-democratic-primary-for-congress-publishing-feb-26.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "New super PAC launches to counter AIPAC spending in Democratic primaries".NBC News.2026-02-21.https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/new-super-pac-launches-counter-aipac-spending-democratic-primaries-rcna259448.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "READ: Valerie Foushee, Nida Allam Answer 97.9 The Hill's Questions on 2026 Campaigns".Chapelboro.2026-02-21.https://chapelboro.com/news/election/read-valerie-foushee-nida-allam-answer-97-9-the-hills-questions-on-2026-campaigns.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Valerie Jean Foushee — North Carolina Legislator".LegiScan.https://legiscan.com/NC/people/valerie-jean-foushee/id/14616.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Candidate: Valerie Foushee".Federal Election Commission.https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H2NC06114.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "New Dem Action Fund Candidates".New Democrat Coalition Action Fund.http://newdemactionfund.com/candidates.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "African Americans in the North Carolina General Assembly, 1868–2013".North Carolina General Assembly.http://www.ncleg.net/library/Documents/African-Americans.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  28. ↑ "Nida Allam challenges incumbent Valerie Foushee in the Democratic primary for Congress".WUNC News.2026-02-23.https://www.wunc.org/2026-02-23/nida-allam-challenges-incumbent-valerie-foushee-in-the-democratic-primary-for-congress-publishing-feb-26.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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