District 4 comprises diverse geographic features, differing groups of people and various political issues constituents are passionate about. These range from reproductive rights to economic revitalization, environmental regulations and infrastructural projects.
In 2022, the current congresswoman, Val Hoyle (D), won the seat with 50.5% of the votes, making it a close race. Currently, Hoyle’s seat is one of the 37 open congressional seats that the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has targeted as a flip district.
The four candidates currently running for this seat are the incumbent congresswoman Val Hoyle, who represents the Democratic party; Monique DeSpain, running under the Republican party and the Constitution party; Justin Filip, running with the Pacific Green party; and Dan Bahlen, who is running as a Libertarian.
On Oct. 11, the City Club of Eugene hosted a forum between the four candidates to discuss the community’s essential issues in the upcoming election. Candidates had two minutes to give opening speeches; the two third-party candidates brought up the unprecedented amount of money into the congressional race, and DeSpain joined the other three in heavily criticizing certain policies Hoyle failed to implement in her first two terms.
Overall, one candidate stood out with her answers exemplifying specific policy examples over rhetoric: Hoyle’s answers outlined realistic initiatives in D.C. and always focused on how she could bring these changes back into the local community. Her specificity brings hope to younger voters, especially when delivering results on key issues such as housing availability, educational reform and climate change initiatives.
In her opening speech, she mentioned her support for Measure 117, which would establish ranked-choice voting in state and federal elections, reiterated her background working with pro-education candidates and ballot measures and mentioned her time working with union organizations within the state legislature.
K-12 education and certain policies regarding higher education kicked off the forum. All candidates stressed the importance of funding public education and raising graduation rates, but they differed on the specifics of the policy.
Hoyle mentioned the importance of investing in local communities, building up special education programs, which are often defunded due to fluctuations within annual budgeting (IDEA), canceling crippling student loan debt and ensuring funding for title schools.
“[We] definitely [need to be] investing in opportunities starting in high school, so that young people can work towards their journey and get certifications when they graduate to get good jobs,” Hoyle added, mentioning the importance of funding CTE programs for those not seeking higher education after graduation.
Hoyle delivered results in the last two terms surrounding affordable housing; she brought back an estimated $86 million to the communities within District 4, working with Senator Wyden on the Decent, Affordable, Safe Housing for All Act , which Hoyle mentioned is important in bringing in jobs to the community.
She has proven that she can bring back funding into communities within OR-4; however, she asserts that a one-size-fits-all model can’t be an approachable solution.
“The answer in Eugene is different from the answer in Coos Bay,” Hoyle said.
The other candidates within the forum kept the urgency when discussing the importance of building affordable housing, although each one stressed different aspects of the issue, bringing up key factors underlying homelessness.
Memorably, DeSpain mentioned the importance of a secure border to stop the flow of fentanyl to answer the question regarding affordable housing.
“You don’t build a house and give the keys to a fentanyl addict,” DeSpain said.
On the issue of climate change, an issue many young voters hold paramount, Hoyle highlighted her support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act — which had the largest investment in climate resilience and clean energy — moved away from Oregon’s reliance on fossil fuels and acquired federal funding to update Lane Counties forest fire fighting equipment.
Bahlen had proposed an idealistic plan of creating a “market-driven civilian-centered conservation corp” similarly structured to President Roosevelt’s federal works program titled the Civilian Conservation Corps. Although this would be ideal and a great way to combat unemployment and prepare cities for climate resilience, the current conflict within the House would make this plan unfeasible as a widespread action.
Another issue that’s especially pertinent to college students is the cost of living and the rising prices of everyday essentials. Hoyle worked on expanding access to Medicaid and lowering pharmaceutical medication costs, lowering energy costs while also focusing on a transition to clean energy and protecting social security.
One of the leading issues with the current inflation crisis is a “stagnant wage,” which she plans to tackle through a federal $15 minimum wage, the elimination of a tipped minimum wage system and stronger enforcement of protections against harassment in workplaces.
Hoyle’s plan and rhetoric were similar to those of the national democratic platform, with increased support of labor movements and unions, more opportunities for jobs and teaching certifications and more affordable housing to attract workers. One of these specific projects is the Coos Bay port project, which would create an estimated 8,000 new jobs and also transition into clean energy.
When DeSpain was posed with this question, she blamed the crisis on the southern border for the underfunding of FEMA.
“FEMA is depleted due to the processing of immigrants into the country,” DeSpain said.
Although each candidate had provided important solutions for the district, Hoyles’ vision was rooted in the most realism in what she could achieve in Washington, D.C., while upholding important initiatives to uplift communities. Her policies around housing, education, the climate crisis and the cost of living list direct benefits for young people within this district that can be delivered through reasonable policies.
