Valerie P. Foushee

Party:

Democrat

Incumbent:

Yes

Age:

Previous experience in elected office:

U.S. House of Representatives (2023 - present); N.C. Senate (2015 - 2022); N.C. House of Representatives (2013 - 2014); Orange County Board of Commissioners (2004 - 2012); Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board (1997 - 2004)

Occupation:

U.S. Congresswoman

Description:

Foushee's priorities are limiting ICE's authority, expanding healthcare, and supporting affordability, education and the environment. Foushee wants to "stop pharmaceutical companies from price-gouging lifesaving medications," protect abortion and contraceptive access, support "a progressive tax system," and "transition to a clean energy economy" by increasing investments in green transit. In an interview with the WRAL, she said she wants to ensure "that we do have Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, and that Medicaid is not being ripped apart." She also supports "impeaching President Donald Trump for the third time." According to The American Prospect, Foushee is supported by a super PAC linked to the AI firm Anthropic, which spent around $700,000 on her and purportedly favors regulation of artificial intelligence. She has stated she will not accept AIPAC (pro-Israel) money for her campaign in 2026 and she recently voted for the controversial “Massie Amendment” which rescinded military support for Israel but did not pass.

Other personal:

Foushee was born in Chapel Hill. She says she watched her parents working multiple jobs to make ends meet. After high school, she attended UNC Chapel Hill for two years before dropping out because she was unable to afford tuition. She continued her education years later and graduated with a degree in Political Science and African and Afro-American Studies. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Stan, a retired fire marshal. They have two sons and two grandchildren. She was formerly an administrative officer at the Chapel Hill Police Department from 1987 to 2008.

Candidate Website