Valerie Foushee is the current U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District, having assumed office in January 2023. This district includes Alamance, Durham, Granville, and Orange counties, along with a portion of Caswell County.
Career Path to Congress
Valerie Foushee began her political career on the local level, serving on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education. She then moved to the Orange County Board of Commissioners, where she focused on local governance and community issues. Foushee was subsequently elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing the 50th district. She later served in the North Carolina State Senate for the 23rd district. In 2022, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, succeeding Congressman David Price.
Sponsored Bills
Since taking office, Congresswoman Foushee has sponsored and co-sponsored various pieces of legislation aimed at addressing critical issues, including education, healthcare, and environmental protection. Detailed information regarding specific bills can be found on her official congressional website or the Congress.gov database.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
Congresswoman Foushee supports progressive social policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. For example, she opposed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, citing concerns that it undermines essential climate measures and restricts servicemembers’ families from making their own healthcare decisions.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
In terms of economic policy, Congresswoman Foushee advocates for fiscal responsibility and support for working families. She has participated in hearings related to the Congressional Budget Office and has expressed the importance of creating a culture of fiscal responsibility. She has also supported legislation aimed at increasing the minimum wage and expanding access to affordable healthcare.
Votes and Stances on National Defense, the NDAA, and DARPA
Foushee has taken a critical stance on certain national defense expenditures, particularly when they conflict with her social policy values. She voted against the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2025 due to concerns about provisions that undermine diversity and inclusion within the military.
Demographics of the 4th Congressional District
As of 2022, North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District has a population of approximately 744,000 residents, with a median age of 37.5 years. The racial composition is predominantly White (non-Hispanic) at 54.3%, followed by Black or African American (non-Hispanic) at 25.2%, Other (Hispanic) at 4.51%, Asian (non-Hispanic) at 4.25%, and White (Hispanic) at 4.14%. The median household income in the district is $71,299.
Controversial Statements or Actions
Throughout her tenure, there have been no widely reported instances of controversial statements or actions associated with Congresswoman Foushee. Her opposition to the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2025 was based on specific policy disagreements related to social issues within the military, which she communicated through official statements.
In summary, Valerie Foushee’s career is marked by a commitment to progressive values, fiscal responsibility, and advocacy for her constituency in North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District.