Foushee-Allam's Democratic congressional primary race heats up

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Congresswoman Valerie Foushee is facing a competitive race for re-election in the Democratic Primary against Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam.

Foushee represents the 4th Congressional District, which includes Durham and Orange counties and parts of Chatham and Wake counties.

It's the bluest district in the state, meaning whoever wins the Democratic Primary is considered the favorite in November, and it's setting up a Congressional rematch between two candidates hoping to the be the voice to stand up to the Trump administration.

As early voting continues, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People had its annual meeting also making endorsements including Foushee who spoke at the event.

"I think that Foushee is a progressive member of Congress. I think her credentials are there, she speaks out on the right issues. You don't have to worry about where she stands when it comes to immigration issues," says former State Senator Floyd McKissick, Jr.

Foushee is facing a rematch of 2022, when she beat Allam in the primary to win the open seat. Both candidates, touting their progressive ideals.

"The urgency of this moment reinforces the purpose for which the DCABP was founded, to confront racial discrimination, fight white supremacy, and advance equity in every arena of life, from health, economic, and political representation," Foushee said today.

The race is getting national attention - as former presidential candidate and popular progressive Senator Bernie Sanders was in Durham Friday campaigning for Nida Allam, positioning herself as an anti-establishment candidate to the left of Foushee.

"If we stand together, we work with our brothers, we demand this country remains a democracy, that we can get decent wages and jobs for our people." Sanders said.

"We know better, we deserve better, and frankly the oligarchs are scared, they're doing everything they can to discredit our brighter future right now," said Allam.

Mayor Leo Williams says at stake is who will represent Durham in Washington at a crucial time.

"What I think is on most people's mind is what the heck are we going to do about what's happening in Washington," he says.

The mayor says while he's backing Foushee in the election, he says what makes this race unique is both candidates have similar ideals.

"They do have very similar records. One has a record in Congress. One has a record here locally. One has a sense of experience over a series of years. One is a young elected official on the come up like myself, you know so we're going to be fine either way," he says.

Another major issue has been immigration, especially as Durham saw a wave of ICE enforcement - both candidates are critical of ICE's tactics

Early voting continues, ahead of Election Day, which is March 3rd.