Rep. Valerie Foushee Defeats a Primary Challenge From the Left With Help of an AI Money Boost

The Democratic primary in North Carolina is a teaser to the outside spending expected to come from AI companies this cycle.

Rep. Valerie Foushee speaks with constituents.

Rep. Valerie Foushee faced a primary challenge from Nida Allam. Allen G. Breed/AP

Rep. Valerie Foushee is projected to win the Democratic nomination in North Carolina’s deep blue 4th District after a tough battle against a more progressive challenger that tested the direction of the state’s Democratic Party.

The state’s intense gerrymandering over the years has made Democratic districts bluer.

Foushee defeated Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam by just 1,200 votes in a race marked by robust outside spending for both candidates, including a big boost for Foushee from the artificial intelligence industry. Allam unsuccessfully challenged her in 2022.