More Than 50 Black Elected Leaders Endorse Rep. Valerie Foushee Ahead of Primary

DURHAM, NC – With the 2026 primary approaching, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee has secured a powerful show of support from across North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District. More than 50 Black elected state and local leaders have publicly endorsed her re-election bid, citing her decades of service, historic leadership, and continued advocacy for equity and working families.

Elected Leaders Show Unified Support Across the District

In a joint statement, the leaders expressed “strong and unified support” for Foushee, who has represented North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District in Congress since 2023.

“As Black elected leaders serving communities across North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District, we are proud to stand together in strong and unified support of United States Representative Valerie Foushee,” the statement reads. “Congresswoman Foushee’s record reflects a lifelong commitment to public service, equity, and principled leadership.”

Among those endorsing Foushee are prominent figures, including Sen. Dan Blue Jr., Sen. Sydney Batch, Rep. Robert Reives II, former legislator H.M. ‘Mickey’ Michaux Jr., Wake County Commissioner Jessica Holmes, and Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, among many others.

Read the full letter of endorsement here. 

A Record of Historic Leadership

Supporters highlighted Foushee’s historic achievements and longstanding public service, including:

• First African American woman to serve as Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners
• Service on the Chapel Hill–Carrboro City Schools Board of Education
• Representation in the North Carolina House and Senate
• Chair of the NC Senate Democratic Caucus
• Election to the U.S. Congress in 2023

Her supporters credit her with championing public education, affordable healthcare, economic opportunity, environmental justice, and the protection of civil and voting rights.

“At every level of government, Congresswoman Foushee has demonstrated integrity, experience, and a deep understanding of the communities she serves,” the statement continues.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the primary nears, endorsers say experienced, values-driven leadership is essential.

“At a time when experienced, values-driven leadership is critical, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee continues to deliver with clarity, courage, and purpose.”

Foushee has not formally responded to the endorsement list in a separate statement but continues to campaign across the district.