Democratic Representative Val Hoyle and her GOP opponent Monique DeSpain are facing off in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District, a seat that Republicans are aiming to turn red. The candidates debated issues such as abortion, homelessness, housing, and forest fires in Coos Bay and Eugene. The district, which covers seven rural counties, 250 miles of coastline, and includes major university towns like Eugene and Corvallis, has been held by Democrats for almost 40 years. Unaffiliated voters make up a significant portion of registered voters, with Democrats and Republicans trailing behind.
In the 2022 election, Hoyle succeeded longtime Democratic Rep. Peter Defazio, defeating her Republican opponent by a significant margin. The district also supported President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Hoyle’s background includes serving in the Oregon legislature and as the state’s Bureau of Labor and Industry Commissioner. Despite being considered a vulnerable incumbent by national Democrats, Hoyle is determined to continue representing the district.
DeSpain, a former Air Force colonel with a legal background, has been identified as a top challenger by the National Republican Congressional Committee. She has pledged to prioritize law enforcement, border security, and accountability in the federal government if elected. Republicans see her as a strong contender to flip the seat in their favor.
The candidates also discussed their views on abortion, with DeSpain advocating for state-level decisions and Hoyle promising to uphold Roe v. Wade protections. They addressed Oregon’s housing and homelessness crisis, with Hoyle emphasizing a compassionate approach and DeSpain prioritizing accountability and addressing the root causes of the issue. The district, which faces challenges such as a high homeless rate and a shortage of affordable housing, is a key battleground for both parties in the upcoming election.
Hoyle stated her intention to reduce government intervention and create incentives for new housing construction and expansion of Section 8 vouchers. She also emphasized the importance of developing the Coos Bay Port and adding a rail line to boost commerce and revive the south coast’s economic potential.
During her tenure, Hoyle highlighted her efforts in securing funding for community programs based on their priorities. In contrast, DeSpain argued that the solution to housing costs does not always involve increased spending, suggesting that supporting Oregon’s timber industry could help reduce expenses by sourcing lumber domestically.
DeSpain also drew connections between the addiction crisis, homelessness, and border security issues, emphasizing the need to address drug addiction as a significant factor contributing to mental health challenges among the homeless population.
Discussing forest fires, Hoyle underscored the importance of forest protection and the need for upfront investment to prevent extensive damage. She acknowledged the impact of climate change on the increasing severity of wildfires and proposed transitioning away from fossil fuels to mitigate future disasters.
DeSpain criticized Hoyle for not supporting the Fix Our Forests Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at promoting active forest management, enhancing community resilience to wildfires, and expediting environmental analyses for forest restoration projects. DeSpain expressed her support for the bill, emphasizing its relevance to the 4th District’s forested landscape.
The 4th District, comprising 85% forested areas, faces challenges in managing federally controlled forests. Hoyle explained her decision not to vote for the act, citing its lack of provisions for increasing funding for wildland firefighter compensation.
