The race for Oregon’s 4th Congressional District seat, which covers all of Lane County, features a mix of experienced politicians and new contenders as the May 19 primary approaches.
The outcome of these primaries will determine who advances to the general election in November, shaping representation for a district that stretches from the California border to north of Lincoln City. The district includes Lane, Benton, Coos, Curry and Lincoln counties, as well as part of Douglas County.
U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle is seeking re-election as the Democratic incumbent and faces two challengers: Melissa Bird of Corvallis and Daniel Bahlen. Hoyle said Congress must serve as “a balance on an executive branch that believes there should be an imperial presidency” and emphasized her focus on maintaining Democratic control in the House. She also highlighted efforts to secure grants for local infrastructure projects and support constituents with federal agency issues such as Social Security or veterans benefits. “We’re helping more and more navigate those federal agencies as there’s less and less access,” Hoyle said.
Bird described herself as a social worker bringing “the perspective of a working mother who is not beholden to corporate donations nor entrenched in the establishment.” She stressed her experience building relationships across political divides: “The nature of my policy work is based on my ability to develop relationships with people, even when people don’t really want to agree with me on everything.” Bird identified affordable housing as a top concern among voters throughout the district.
Bahlen previously ran for Congress in 2024 as a Libertarian but now appears on the Democratic primary ballot. At a recent forum, he advocated for increased public restrooms at transit hubs for travelers, homeless individuals, and transgender people facing discrimination.
On the Republican side, Monique DeSpain leads against challenger Stefan Strek. DeSpain cited her background in law and military service while calling for border security reforms: “We need to remain vigilant with our border… At the same time, we are a beautiful nation built on immigrants.” She also pledged support for economic policies addressing rising costs faced by Oregonians.
Strek has run multiple times before but remains focused this cycle on healthcare reform through direct patient-provider models: “You connect with a doctor who essentially runs an independent practice… There’s no kind of corporate suits in the back.” He brings experience from various jobs including food service worker and financial aid processor.
A Republican has not held this congressional seat since John Dellenback left office in 1975; Democrats have maintained control since then through Peter DeFazio until his retirement followed by Hoyle’s election. As state data shows nearly one-quarter of registered voters are Republicans while Democrats account for about 31 percent; unaffiliated or third-party voters make up roughly 45 percent but will only participate during November’s general election.
