This year, Democrat voters in the 4th Congressional District of Oregon will have the chance to choose between three candidates in their party primary on May 19, 2026. Incumbent Congresswoman Val Hoyle is being challenged by Melissa Bird and Daniel Bahlen.The City Club of Eugene is proud to host a candidate forum for this important election. All three candidates have been invited for this forum, which will be moderated by KLCC reporter Rebecca Hansen-White.

Val Hoyle’s campaign indicated that she will be in Washington D.C. on April 17 attending a Congressional session. According to her biography filed with the Oregon Secretary of State, her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies from Emmanuel College. Her professional background include serving as Oregon Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries; Majority Leader Oregon House of Representatives; Oregon State Representative for District 14 (West Eugene and Junction City); District Director for United Way of Lane County 100% Access Health Care Coalition; Sales Manager with Burley Design LLC, and working as Policy Fellow at the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics at the University of Oregon.

Speakers:

Daniel Bahlen- has a doctoral degree in behavioral health from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. His professional background includes work in tribal behavioral health, manufacturing, and as a graduate teaching assistant.

Melissa Bird- has a doctoral degree in social work from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah. Melissa is self-employed and her professional background include working as faculty at Portland State University, California State San Bernadino, University of Southern California, and University of Utah. Melissa also served as Executive Director for the Planned Parenthood Action Council of Utah. She has more than 25 years of policy and advocacy experience advocating for reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. She is a proud descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes.

More information: https://cityclubofeugene.org/forum/democratic-primary-candidates-congressional-district-4/