Allam concedes to Foushee in hard-fought Congressional race

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Congresswoman Valerie Foushee declared victory overnight in the closely watched Democratic primary for North Carolina's 4th Congressional District against Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam - but the razor thin margin places the race firmly within recount territory.

As of early Wednesday, Foushee held 49.2% of the vote, edging out Allam, who has 48.2%. The two candidates split the district geographically: Allam led in Wake and Durham counties, while Foushee drew stronger support from Chatham and Orange counties, where she has spent much of her adult life in public service.

Allam's campaign released a statement Wednesday morning, noting that the margin - less than 1% -- triggers the campaign's automatic right to request a recount under North Carolina law. The campaign said it is seeking information from the State Board of Elections regarding outstanding provisional and military ballots.

But early Wednesday evening, Allam conceded.

"My faith teaches me that every moment is a test. We are tested on our graciousness in moments of joy, and on our patience in moments of difficulty. Though these were not the results we hoped for, I am proud of the movement we have built, the voices we have lifted up and the journey we have ahead," Allam said in a statement.

She also took aim at Foushee in her concession remarks, placing a responsibility on the incumbent.

"In the days ahead, the incumbent has a responsibility to half this district to earn their support. It should not take being challenged in a primary to take bold stances that voters overwhelmingly support, but I am proud that our movement pushed our incumbent to better reflect our deeply held values and convictions. It's up to us as an entire district to demand that our Representative deliver on her promises," Allam. "We must demand she not spend a single taxpayer dollar for forever wars or genocide. We must demand she support a national moratorium on AI data centers like the majority of her district - and fight back against the proposed data center in Apex. We must demand she actually call a genocide, a genocide. We must demand she fight to abolish ICE as they kidnap and murder our neighbors, not just take away their face masks and some of their funding. We must demand that she finally reject corporate PAC money once and for all, and actually fight to overturn Citizens United."

Later, Foushee responded to Allam's concession.

"I am deeply humbled that the Democratic voters of the 4th District have nominated me to serve a third term. I look forward to continuing the fight to deliver the progressive change that our district seeks from Congress as Democrats retake the majority," Foushee said. "I respect our primary system, but I am grateful my constituents have rejected the baseless attacks from out-of-state groups that my family and I have had to endure. My priorities are to stop Trump's attacks on our democracy, regulate AI, overturn Citizens United, establish a Green New Deal, ensure Medicare for All, pass legislation to block arms sales to Israel, and lower the cost of groceries, housing, and education. Nothing will ever change that."

Foushee did not hold a public election night event, but her campaign released a statement Tuesday night thanking voters across the district.

Allam addressed supporters Tuesday night, expressing optimism as the final ballots are counted.

"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 you," Allam said.

Foushee, who first took office in 2023, reacted Wednesday to a possible 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."

SEE ALSO: Local Election Results