Outside Money Flows into 4th Congressional District Primary, Again

The 2026 race between Rep. Valerie Foushee and Durham County commissioner Nida Allam is seeing a deluge of PAC-funded ads, mirroring the 2022 primary.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 Democratic primary election in North Carolina's 4th Congressional District is seeing a repeat of the 2022 race, with outside groups spending heavily to influence the outcome. Congresswoman Valerie Foushee is being targeted by a PAC associated with gun control activist David Hogg, while Durham County commissioner Nida Allam is benefiting from over $1 million in spending by progressive groups. The sources and amounts of money differ from 2022, but the candidates are again criticizing each other's fundraising strategies and the influence of corporate PAC money.

Why it matters

The influx of outside money into this safe Democratic district highlights the growing role of super PACs and dark money groups in shaping primary elections, despite both candidates' stated opposition to the Citizens United decision that enabled this system. The race also reflects broader tensions within the Democratic party between establishment and progressive factions.

The details

Leaders We Deserve and Justice Democrats have spent a combined $506,000 to support Allam, while a newly formed PAC called American Priorities has spent $543,000 on her behalf. Rolling Sea Action Fund, a PAC associated with the Congressional Black Caucus, has spent $100,000 supporting Foushee. In 2022, pro-Israel and crypto PACs spent $3 million to support Foushee and oppose Allam. Foushee has since said she would not take money from AIPAC, while Allam has criticized Foushee for continuing to receive contributions from corporate interests.

  • The 2022 primary election between Foushee and Allam was the most expensive congressional primary in North Carolina history.
  • The 2026 primary election is scheduled for March 3.

The players

Valerie Foushee

Incumbent Congresswoman representing North Carolina's 4th Congressional District.

Nida Allam

Durham County commissioner challenging Foushee in the Democratic primary.

David Hogg

Gun control activist and founder of the Leaders We Deserve PAC, which is supporting Allam.

Roy Conway

Tech investor and gun safety advocate who has backed the Leaders We Deserve PAC.

American Priorities PAC

A newly formed super PAC that has spent $543,000 supporting Allam, with little publicly available information about its origins or funders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you are taking corporate money, your days in power are fucking numbered.”

— David Hogg (INDY Week)

“I am unequivocally opposed to corporate PACs spending in our elections and that will never change.”

— Nida Allam, Durham County commissioner (INDY Week)

“I am confident that my constituents know that I am pushing for an end to Citizens United and that no campaign contribution will ever affect my vote.”

— Valerie Foushee, Congresswoman (INDY Week)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.