GOP's Virginia Foxx, trailing in her North Carolina House race, wants observers to watch ballot counting

Nolan Wilkinson, The News & Observer (Raleigh) on Nov 7, 2026

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx said Friday she’s requested “nonpartisan election observers” to be present for vote counting across North Carolina’s 5th District as she trails in the election.

Foxx, 83, has served 11 terms representing the district, which today encompasses rural parts the northwestern section of the state as well as most of Greensboro.

Her Democratic opponent, Chuck Hubbard, is currently winning by just 99 votes, according to preliminary results.

But county election boards still have to review provisional ballots — those with questions about the voters’ eligibility — and count some qualifying military and overseas ballots arriving before the deadline of 5 p.m. on Nov. 12. On the ballots with outstanding questions, voters have until Nov. 10 to “cure” the ballot by fixing the problem or answering the question.

Then the results will have to be certified by election officials. Following that, if the race remains within a 1% margin, as it currently is, a recount can be requested.

What Foxx said

In a Facebook on Friday, Foxx said, “Nonpartisan election observers under the guidance of the Committee on House Administration will be present across the 5th District as the count continues, and will serve as important, watchful eyes to ensure that this sacred process is not impeded and that all legal votes are counted in a consistent, thorough manner.”

Nonpartisan election observers, designated by members of congress, are allowed under federal law by the Confirmation of Congressional Observer Access Act, passed in 2024.

The law requires the state to allow observers, who are employees from the House or Senate designated by the Committee on House Administration or the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.

Those observers in this case are designated by either the chair or ranking minority member of the Committee on House Administration.

According to Foxx, they will be there “for the purpose of observing all parts of the election process including voting, ballot processing, and ballot tabulation. Additionally, they are responsible for gathering information as they monitor the election process.”

The N&O attempted to reach Hubbard’s campaign for comment on Saturday but did not receive a response.