Valerie Foushee Visits UNC Campus Ahead of 2026 Democratic Primary

Foushee, running to keep her congressional seat, faces questions from students on ICE, campaign donations, and more.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-N.C. 4th) addressed the UNC Young Democrats in a candidate forum, emphasizing her roots in the Chapel Hill community and North Carolina. She faced questions from students on topics like college affordability, impeaching the Homeland Security Secretary, and her campaign donations from weapons companies.

Why it matters

As Foushee seeks reelection, this forum provided an opportunity for young Democratic voters to engage directly with the incumbent congresswoman and understand her positions on key issues. The event highlighted the concerns of students around Foushee's campaign financing and her stance on immigration enforcement.

The details

During the forum, Foushee discussed her support for expanding college loan programs and government subsidies to address affordability. She also voiced opposition to the leadership of former President Donald Trump, calling him the "biggest threat to democracy today." When asked about ICE, Foushee said she supports "dismantling and defunding" the agency. However, she faced pointed questions from a Carrboro High School student about her campaign donations from weapons manufacturers like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, and whether she would stop accepting such contributions.

  • The forum took place on Tuesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Valerie Foushee

U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 4th congressional district, who is running for reelection in the 2026 Democratic primary.

Nida Allam

Vice chair of the Durham County Board of County Commissioners, running against Foushee in the 2026 Democratic primary.

Mary Patterson

A newcomer to politics with experience working in human resources, also running against Foushee in the 2026 Democratic primary.

Champ Lyerly

President of the UNC Young Democrats, who moderated the candidate forum.

Kaye Herr

A student at Carrboro High School who questioned Foushee about her campaign donations from weapons companies.

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What they’re saying

“My issues are your issues. Politicians don't determine what the issues are. What politicians are supposed to do is to act on the issues and make sure that the results that you desire are the results that are produced.”

— Valerie Foushee, U.S. Representative (dailytarheel.com)

“You've received donations from both Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and some other weapons companies, and these weapons companies enable Israel's genocide in Gaza. So, do you have a plan to stop receiving donations from these companies?”

— Kaye Herr, Carrboro High School Student (dailytarheel.com)

“I would challenge any of you to look at my record and see where the donations are coming from, and you will see that the majority of my donations not only come from people in this state, but in this district.”

— Valerie Foushee, U.S. Representative (dailytarheel.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Democratic primary election in North Carolina's 4th congressional district is scheduled for May 7, 2026.

The takeaway

Foushee's visit to the UNC campus highlighted the concerns of young Democratic voters around issues like immigration, campaign finance, and the role of weapons manufacturers in foreign conflicts. As she seeks reelection, Foushee will need to address these concerns and demonstrate how she plans to serve the interests of her constituents if she wants to maintain her seat in Congress.