Valerie Foushee is a current Democratic Representative for North Carolina's 4th congressional district, having taken office on January 3, 2023. Born in Chapel Hill on May 7, 1956, Foushee attended Chapel Hill High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2008. Her career spans over two decades in public service, including significant roles as a member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Board of Education from 1997 to 2004, where she was the chair from 2001 to 2003, and as a commissioner for Orange County from 2004 to 2012, where she also served as chair between 2008 and 2010. Before her congressional role, she was a member of the North Carolina State House of Representatives and the State Senate from 2013 to 2022.

As a member of Congress, Foushee is actively engaged in several committees, including the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Aviation Subcommittee. These committees oversee a range of issues critical to her constituents, including infrastructure development and scientific research.

Foushee has sponsored and co-sponsored various legislation, reflecting her commitment to addressing health, education, and social equity. One notable piece of legislation is the Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act (HB31), which aims to establish a demonstration program allowing local governments to provide health benefits to individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This bill has implications for expanding healthcare access in states that have not yet adopted Medicaid expansion and emphasizes local governance in addressing public health needs.

Another significant initiative she supports is the College Thriving Act (HB1409), which seeks to provide federal assistance to state educational agencies, helping to bolster student support systems for college success. This legislation reflects her dedication to improving educational outcomes and supporting institutions that serve diverse student populations.

Foushee has also participated in sponsoring resolutions, such as the Transit Equity Day Resolution (HR101), which underscores the importance of public transportation access and social justice in transit systems. Additionally, she has shown a commitment to civil rights through her involvement in the Justice for All Act (HB1354), which aims to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by clarifying that certain discriminatory impacts constitute a basis for legal action.

Her legislative agenda places a strong emphasis on public health, education, and social equity. Foushee's support for healthcare-related initiatives, particularly those aimed at expanding Medicaid access, along with her advocacy for education reform, position her as a proponent of progressive policies aimed at supporting the most vulnerable in her community, reflecting a commitment to social welfare and justice.

In addition to her political career, Valerie Foushee's personal life is characterized by her deep ties to her community in North Carolina, contributing to her understanding of the local issues her constituents face. Her family and community connection further enrich her public service, presenting her as an advocate deeply rooted in the needs and aspirations of her district. Her work focuses on progressive reforms that prioritize healthcare access, educational equity, and civil rights, showcasing her engagement with issues that resonate with many North Carolinians.