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Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it's recount territory

The unofficial tally shows 1,200 votes separate the candidates, below 1%.

Election

The race between incumbent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Valerie Foushee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/valerie-foushee-orange-county-roots-local-limelight-primary-interview" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/valerie-foushee-orange-county-roots-local-limelight-primary-interview" target="_self">Rep. Valerie Foushee</a> and progressive challenger <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nida Allam" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/nida-allam-triangle-campaign-durham-local-limelight-primary-interview" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/nida-allam-triangle-campaign-durham-local-limelight-primary-interview" target="_self">Nida Allam</a> was too close to call on election night. <ul><li>The candidates are within 1% of each other in unofficial Democratic primary results for central North Carolina&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="4th congressional district" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" target="_self">4th congressional district</a>, and that&#x27;s recount territory.</li></ul>Why it matters: Democrats nationwide have looked to the race as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pulse check" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/valerie-foushee-primary-nida-allam-bernie-sanders" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/valerie-foushee-primary-nida-allam-bernie-sanders" target="_self">pulse check</a> on voter satisfaction with the party under President Trump — especially when it comes to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a>, support for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Israel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/02/foushee-allam-race-israel-00806630" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/02/foushee-allam-race-israel-00806630" target="_blank">Israel</a> and reining in corporate power.

The most watched primary in North Carolina

A loss for Berger would change the levers of power in the N.C. General Assembly

Politics

Residents of Reidsville, a town of nearly 15,000 north of Greensboro in Rockingham County, say they are tired of the mailers piling up in their mailboxes, exhausted of the ads that show up every time they turn on the TV or open Facebook, and wary of people knocking on their doors. <ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s incredibly annoying, the amount of political material being sent out. They had some guy come up on my porch,&quot; Kelly Carl, 57, of Reidsville, told Axios, questioning the tactics of campaigning in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state Senate District 26" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/s/64" data-vars-content-id="d9ab1d8e-c9e7-439a-a7dc-252763492229" data-vars-headline="The most watched primary in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/s/64" target="_blank">state Senate District 26</a>. </li></ul>Why it matters: The approach is probably necessary, though. The showdown between Phil Berger, the most powerful Republican in the state, and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page could change the trajectory of North Carolina politics. <ul><li>If Berger were to lose to the charismatic cowboy hat-donning sheriff, whose name recognition locally rivals the incumbent, it would transform the levers of power in Raleigh, where Berger has wielded broad influence since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leading a Republican takeover " data-vars-click-url="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/the-motivations-of-phil-berger/" data-vars-content-id="d9ab1d8e-c9e7-439a-a7dc-252763492229" data-vars-headline="The most watched primary in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/the-motivations-of-phil-berger/" target="_blank">leading a Republican takeover </a>of the N.C. General Assembly 2010. </li></ul>

Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown

Cooper is viewed as Democrats' best hope to flip an open, GOP-held seat.

Politics & Policy

Former North Carolina Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roy Cooper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/29/cooper-makes-it-official" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/29/cooper-makes-it-official" target="_self">Roy Cooper</a>, a Democrat, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michael Whatley" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/01/whatley-officially-joins-senate-race" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/01/whatley-officially-joins-senate-race" target="_self">Michael Whatley</a>, former chair of the Republican National Committee, handily won their primaries Tuesday, setting the stage for an intense and expensive showdown to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican. Why it matters: Cooper, whose folksy eastern North Carolina charm has resonated even <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with Trump voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" target="_self">with Trump voters</a>, is viewed as Democrats&#x27; best hope to flip an open, GOP-held seat.<ul><li>Whatley, whom President Trump endorsed, easily fended off Don Brown, a former Navy JAG officer whom embattled former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="endorsed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/whatley-republican-senate-north-carolina/" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/whatley-republican-senate-north-carolina/" target="_blank">endorsed</a>. </li></ul>

Phil Berger trails by 2 votes in closely watched primary against Sam Page

State Senate leader Phil Berger, the most influential Republican in the N.C. General Assembly, trails by just two votes in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closely watched primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/the-most-watched-primary-in-north-carolina-berger-sam-page" data-vars-content-id="0273d0f4-874f-44ae-9f07-d9dea68f59d1" data-vars-headline="Phil Berger trails by 2 votes in closely watched primary against Sam Page" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/the-most-watched-primary-in-north-carolina-berger-sam-page" target="_self">closely watched primary</a> on Tuesday against Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, with all precincts reported. <ul><li>The race is too close to call and is likely to go to a recount given its razor-thin margin. </li></ul>Why it matters: A potential Berger loss would change the landscape of Raleigh&#x27;s politics and eventually lead to a leadership transition later this year in the Republican-dominated state Senate.

How Wake County voted in 2026 primaries for DA, Raleigh City Council and county commissioners

The winner of the DA primary is likely to win the November election

Wake County and Raleigh voters cast votes in several important primaries on Tuesday that will decide the makeup of the county&#x27;s district attorney office, the Raleigh City Council and the Wake County Board of Commissioners. Why it matters: Wiley Nickel, a former U.S. Representative who represented parts of Wake County <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="until his seat was redrawn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/democrat-wiley-nickel-leave-congress-nc-redistricting-teeing-2026-sena-rcna129607" data-vars-content-id="df609117-1447-45bf-8aac-0593ff8ded81" data-vars-headline="How Wake County voted in 2026 primaries for DA, Raleigh City Council and county commissioners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/democrat-wiley-nickel-leave-congress-nc-redistricting-teeing-2026-sena-rcna129607" target="_blank">until his seat was redrawn</a>, is set to become the top prosecutor in the left-leaning county after winning the Democratic primary. (No Republican filed to run in the contest in November.)<ul><li>He would replace outgoing Democrat Lorrin Freeman, who has been the district attorney since 2014. </li></ul>

Local Limelight: Nida Allam on life in Durham and the rematch

The Durham commissioner shares favorite spots in Durham, talks primary rematch.

Nida Allam says in her three decades in the Triangle, one of the most beautiful things she&#x27;s witnessed is the blossoming of a vibrant community of immigrants.Why it matters: The county commissioner launched a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="congressional bid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="5d1d3b7f-8de9-4ad7-81a8-8b04ae97b51c" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Nida Allam on life in Durham and the rematch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" target="_self">congressional bid</a> at a time when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" data-vars-content-id="5d1d3b7f-8de9-4ad7-81a8-8b04ae97b51c" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Nida Allam on life in Durham and the rematch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" target="_self">immigration</a> is front and center in American politics.

Local Limelight: Valerie Foushee's life in Orange County

The Chapel Hill native talks transit, voting rights and her primary rematch.

Rep. Valerie Foushee is a lifelong Orange County resident who never wants to leave.Why it matters: The Democratic congresswoman is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="defending her seat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="53e4df0a-cdc2-4222-a473-18e380e125d4" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Valerie Foushee&#x27;s life in Orange County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" target="_self">defending her seat</a> in the primary from a familiar foe, progressive local official Nida Allam, whom Foushee defeated by 9 points in a wider field in 2022.<ul><li>If this year&#x27;s results are any different, they could be instructive for the Democratic Party ahead of November&#x27;s general election, when Democrats hope to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seize control of the House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" data-vars-content-id="53e4df0a-cdc2-4222-a473-18e380e125d4" data-vars-headline="Local Limelight: Valerie Foushee&#x27;s life in Orange County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" target="_self">seize control of the House</a> from Republicans.</li></ul>

North Carolina Democrats push for early 2028 primary

North Carolina is one of 12 states allowed to bid to be one of the first primary states in 2028.

North Carolina Democrats are lobbying to make the state one of the first presidential primary contests in 2028, arguing the state reflects the rest of the U.S., given its growing and diverse <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/29/north-carolina-kept-growing-last-year-despite-immigration-slowdown" data-vars-content-id="3aa3de09-b521-4564-befe-543e59dd7aa1" data-vars-headline="North Carolina Democrats push for early 2028 primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/29/north-carolina-kept-growing-last-year-despite-immigration-slowdown" target="_self">population</a>.Why it matters: If selected, North Carolina could hold a large influence over which candidate ultimately secures the nomination. It could also attract tens of millions of dollars of investments into statewide campaigns.

Inside North Carolina's 2026 high-stakes primary races

Key primaries for U.S. Senate, Congress and Raleigh power players are now underway statewide.

In-person early voting begins Thursday across North Carolina ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March 3 primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="76eb1dd1-3024-420a-b0ed-ef34e071750f" data-vars-headline="Inside North Carolina&#x27;s 2026 high-stakes primary races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">March 3 primary</a>.Why it matters: 2026 is a complex election year for North Carolina and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United States" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" data-vars-content-id="76eb1dd1-3024-420a-b0ed-ef34e071750f" data-vars-headline="Inside North Carolina&#x27;s 2026 high-stakes primary races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" target="_self">United States</a>, and these primaries will set the stage for November&#x27;s fight for control of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Congress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="76eb1dd1-3024-420a-b0ed-ef34e071750f" data-vars-headline="Inside North Carolina&#x27;s 2026 high-stakes primary races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">Congress</a>.

Property tax relief gains momentum in North Carolina

Nonprofits say losing exemptions would only make the affordability crisis worse.

Business

Republicans in both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly are now pursuing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="property tax relief" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/13/north-carolina-republicans-study-property-tax-reduction" data-vars-content-id="dabdcb8f-0708-49d4-8943-6dbb7f2882eb" data-vars-headline="Property tax relief gains momentum in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/13/north-carolina-republicans-study-property-tax-reduction" target="_self">property tax relief</a> proposals aimed at easing costs for homeowners.Why it matters: Parallel efforts in the Senate and House increase the chances that property tax reform might actually pass this year.

Politics 🇺🇸

Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it's recount territory

How Wake County voted in 2026 primaries for DA, Raleigh City Council and county commissioners

Phil Berger trails by 2 votes in closely watched primary against Sam Page

Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown

The most watched primary in North Carolina