Add Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.) to the rapidly expanding list of House Democratic incumbents being challenged by the left in the primary next year, with 2022 primary rival Nida Allam launching a rematch bid Thursday.
Why it matters: Progressives are going big this election cycle, with efforts to knock off moderate and establishment-oriented incumbents in House districts across the country.
- New York City Comptroller Brad Lander also launched a primary challenge against Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) this week with the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and the group Justice Democrats.
- Allam similarly has the support of Sanders and Justice Democrats, as well as other progressive groups including the Sunrise Movement and the Working Families Party.
Driving the news: Allam, a county commissioner in Durham, N.C., said in a statement, "We need leaders in Washington who will actually fight to deliver the brighter future we deserve and desperately need."
- "We cannot wait three more years pretending that a status quo that is failing us today will protect our communities tomorrow," she said.
The other side: "You can look at my record to show that I am not just paying lip service to our shared progressive values," Foushee said in a statement.
- "Over the next few months I look forward to earning the support of the voters of the Fourth District and continuing to serve as their voice in Washington for another term."
- Foushee's campaign noted she has been endorsed by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and former Gov. Roy Coooper.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
