North Carolina's 4th District Democrats Clash in High-Stakes Primary

Three Democrats are competing in North Carolina's 4th Congressional District primary. Rep. Valerie Foushee, Nida Allam, and Mary Patterson will face off on March 3, 2025. The winner is expected to secure an easy victory in November's general election.

Voting began early this year. Absentee ballots went out on January 12, while in-person early voting started on February 23. The primary election takes place on March 3.

The candidates share key priorities but bring different backgrounds. Foushee, a current representative, focuses on democracy, immigration, health care, and racial justice. She supports ending cash bail, abolishing private prisons, and decriminalizing marijuana to address systemic racism. Her campaign holds over $193,000 in funds.

Allam, the first Muslim woman elected to public office in North Carolina, served as a Durham County commissioner from 2020. During her tenure, she raised the county's minimum wage to $19 an hour. Her platform covers environmental justice, jobs, reproductive rights, and housing. She has nearly $306,000 available for her campaign.

Patterson, the third candidate, has not reported any campaign funds. She received 12,456 votes in the primary.

The Democratic primary centers on shared issues like wages, health care, and education. The victor will advance to a general election they are heavily favored to win. The outcome will determine who represents the district in Congress next year.