Allam concedes tight NC-04 Democratic primary to Foushee

Despite saying Tuesday that she would seek a recount in her race for North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District, Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam announced late Wednesday she is conceding the race to her rival, incumbent Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee.

Unofficial results show Foushee won 49.18% of the vote, just 0.96% more than the 48.22% for Allam. Mary Patterson won 2.6%.

Provisional ballots and some military and overseas remain, although it’s unclear how many. If the margin is still one percentage point or less after those votes are counted next week, Allam could by law request a mandatory recount.

But now, she says she will not.

“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 late Wednesday.

“Voters are fired up and ready to turnout, but they are frustrated with a Democratic establishment that fails to meet this moment and fails to stand up to corporate Super PACs and warmongering lobbies,” Allam said. “Despite their millions in last-minute spending, corporate lobbies were only barely able to eke out a win—because of the movement this campaign built.”

Allam called on Democrats in her district to remain firm on their progressive positions, pushing the party base farther left.

The race was one of several high-profile contests across the country between progressive and traditional factions of the party.

“While we may not have won this race, the establishment should stay on watch,” Allam added. “Our movement sounded the alarm for future Democratic primaries throughout this cycle.”

Addressing supporters just before midnight at her watch party on Tuesday, Allam said the race wasn’t over and there would be a recount. It’s unclear why she changed her mind. Her spokesperson did not immediately respond to NC Newsline’s request for comment.

Foushee issued a statement Wednesday evening saying she was “deeply humbled” to receive the Democratic nomination towards her third term in the deep-blue district.

“In a state where many people’s rights are on the ballot in November, now is the time for our district to unify in support of Roy Cooper and others who are fighting to flip seats blue,” Foushee said. “While elites and authoritarians continue to exploit our communities, we have an opportunity to deliver a crushing blow if we can all come together.

Wednesday afternoon, Foushee had announced she would support a call for a recount.

“It is critical to our democracy that every lawful vote is counted in our elections,” Foushee said in a statement. “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.”

Outside spending in the primary exceeded $4.5 million as of Wednesday afternoon. It’s the most expensive congressional primary in state history, breaking the 2022 record between the same two candidates.

This story has been updated.