U.S. House, Oregon 4th Congressional District · Election November 3, 2026 · Updated
Who should I vote for in Oregon's 4th Congressional District?
Val Hoyle has the strongest record in Oregon's 4th Congressional District. Val Hoyle scores 64 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Monique DeSpain at 56, as of October 6, 2026. Val Hoyle's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Monique DeSpain's highest marks are relevant experience and communication. Justin Filip (4 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Republican
Monique DeSpain
56 / 100
Public evidence on 9 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 60
- Performance
- NR
Pacific Green
Justin Filip
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 4 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- 56
- Performance
- NR
Democratic · incumbent
Strongest record
Val Hoyle
64 / 100
Public evidence on 14 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 75
- Performance
- 69
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Monique DeSpain
- On the record2026-04 to 2026-06
Reported nearly half of her April to June 2026 receipts as a $30,000 personal loan and transfers from a separate PAC she controls.
Source: Bend Bulletin (Oregon Capital Chronicle), July 20, 2026
- On the record2025-10
When she launched her 2026 campaign, the Capital Chronicle reported she had not yet outlined specific policies.
Source: Portland Tribune (Oregon Capital Chronicle), Oct. 3, 2025
- On the record2024-10
Said she opposes a federal abortion ban and that the stance cost her Oregon Right to Life's support in her 2024 primary.
Source: OPB (KLCC), Oct. 17, 2024
- Creditto 2019
Served 30 years in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Oregon Air National Guard, retiring as a colonel, much of it as a JAG Corps attorney.
Source: Portland Tribune (Oregon Capital Chronicle), Oct. 3, 2025
Justin Filip
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Val Hoyle
- Mark against2024-12 to 2025-09
Disclosed 217 trades in her husband's retirement account weeks or months past the STOCK Act's 45-day deadline in September 2025 and paid a $200 penalty; she said a financial adviser made the trades.
Sources: KLCC, Sept. 17, 2025, Bend Bulletin (OpenSecrets), Sept. 18, 2025, House Clerk periodic transaction report, Filing ID 20034581
- Mark against2023-10-31
The Oregon Elections Division assessed a $291.04 late-filing penalty on her state committee, Friends of Val Hoyle, which was paid.
Source: Oregon Secretary of State, Campaign Finance Penalty Notices (data.oregon.gov)
- On the record2025-01
Voted for the Laken Riley Act on its first House passage on Jan. 7, 2025, against her party leader, then voted against final passage on Jan. 22.
Sources: Clerk of the House, Roll Call 6, Jan. 7, 2025 (Laken Riley Act), Clerk of the House, Roll Call 23, Jan. 22, 2025 (Laken Riley Act)
- On the record2021 to 2022
As labor commissioner she vouched for ENDVR, a nonprofit tied to La Mota, whose owners donated to her; a BOLI council approved its grant after she postponed a vote. She says she was misled.
Sources: Willamette Week, Aug. 15, 2023, OPB (KLCC), Oct. 17, 2024
- Credit2025-04 to 2026-06
Held open in-person town halls, including at Lane Community College in April 2025 and in North Bend with Sen. Ron Wyden in June 2026.
Sources: Daily Emerald, April 23, 2025, The World via Yahoo News, June 4, 2026
- Credit2023 to 2024
The Center for Effective Lawmaking rated her Exceeds Expectations for the 118th Congress.
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Monique DeSpain. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC from October 2025 through June 30, 2026, with no FEC administrative fine. No official finding found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, coverage dates, FEC administrative fines search, committee C00921544
Justin Filip. No public record found.
Val Hoyle. Filed a September 2025 transaction report disclosing 217 trades in her husband's account weeks or months past the 45-day deadline and paid a $200 penalty; she acknowledged the lapse (E16). Campaign reports are on file with the FEC.
Sources: House Clerk periodic transaction report, Filing ID 20032070, OPB (KLCC), Sept. 17, 2025, KLCC, Sept. 17, 2025, Bend Bulletin (OpenSecrets), Sept. 18, 2025
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Monique DeSpain. Has said she opposes a federal abortion ban, a stance she says cost her Oregon Right to Life's support in her 2024 primary.
Source: OPB (KLCC), Oct. 17, 2024
Justin Filip. No public record found.
Val Hoyle. Voted Yea on House passage of the Laken Riley Act on Jan. 7, 2025, when Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries voted Nay; she voted Nay on final passage on Jan. 22, 2025.
Sources: Clerk of the House, Roll Call 6, Jan. 7, 2025 (Laken Riley Act), Clerk of the House, Roll Call 23, Jan. 22, 2025 (Laken Riley Act)
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Monique DeSpain. No public record found.
Justin Filip. No public record found.
Val Hoyle. Holds open in-person town halls, including an April 2025 town hall at Lane Community College and a June 2026 town hall in North Bend with Sen. Ron Wyden.
Sources: Daily Emerald, April 23, 2025, The World via Yahoo News, June 4, 2026
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Monique DeSpain. Served 30 years in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Oregon Air National Guard, retiring as a colonel, much of it as a JAG Corps attorney. No conduct finding found.
Source: Portland Tribune (Oregon Capital Chronicle), Oct. 3, 2025
Justin Filip. No public record found.
Val Hoyle. State representative, House majority leader, labor commissioner and U.S. representative since 2023 with no censure, reprimand or conduct finding found. The 2022 La Mota grant matter is in the Record.
Source: Ballotpedia, Val Hoyle
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Monique DeSpain. Served 30 years in the military under oath, retiring as a colonel. No official finding of misuse of office found.
Source: Portland Tribune (Oregon Capital Chronicle), Oct. 3, 2025
Justin Filip. No public record found.
Val Hoyle. Has held sworn state and federal office since 2009, including statewide office as labor commissioner. She was not in Congress for the January 2021 electoral count; no misuse-of-office finding found.
Source: Wikipedia, Val Hoyle
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Monique DeSpain. Retired Air Force colonel with 30 years of service, about 20 as a JAG Corps lawyer, and later an attorney at a Salem law firm. Has not held elected office.
Sources: Portland Tribune (Oregon Capital Chronicle), Oct. 3, 2025, Ballotpedia, Monique DeSpain, 2026 survey
Justin Filip. Statistician and guest teacher who has served as secretary of the Pacific Green Party and co-chair of its Eugene chapter. Has not held public office.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Justin Filip, Oregon Voters' Pamphlet, Nov. 3, 2026, candidate statement
Val Hoyle. U.S. representative since January 2023, seeking a third term; labor commissioner from 2019 to 2023; Oregon House member from 2009 to 2017, including majority leader from 2013 to 2015.
Sources: Wikipedia, Val Hoyle, Ballotpedia, Val Hoyle
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Monique DeSpain. Publishes priorities on homelessness, the economy, forests and government accountability in general terms; the Oregon Capital Chronicle reported in October 2025 that she had not yet outlined specific policies.
Sources: Portland Tribune (Oregon Capital Chronicle), Oct. 3, 2025, Oregon Voters' Pamphlet, Nov. 3, 2026, candidate statement
Justin Filip. Publishes positions including a ban on privately built data centers and suspension of military aid to Israel, mostly in general terms.
Val Hoyle. Ranking member of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries; former Oregon House majority leader; rated Exceeds Expectations by the Center for Effective Lawmaking for the 118th Congress.
Sources: GovTrack, Val Hoyle, Wikipedia, Val Hoyle
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Monique DeSpain. Completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey and published a voters' pamphlet statement and campaign issue pages.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Monique DeSpain, Oregon Voters' Pamphlet, Nov. 3, 2026, candidate statement
Justin Filip. Published a voters' pamphlet statement and a campaign platform page. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey.
Sources: Oregon Voters' Pamphlet, Nov. 3, 2026, candidate statement, Ballotpedia, Justin Filip
Val Hoyle. Holds in-person and telephone town halls, offers a newsletter and published a voters' pamphlet statement. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey.
Sources: Office of Rep. Hoyle, home page, Daily Emerald, April 23, 2025, Ballotpedia, Val Hoyle
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Monique DeSpain. Raised her sons in Eugene, in the district, by her own account. About 87 percent of itemized contributions by state came from Oregon (FEC by-state totals).
Justin Filip. Moved to Oregon in 1995 and lives in Eugene, in the district, where he co-chairs the local Pacific Green chapter.
Source: Ballotpedia, Justin Filip
Val Hoyle. Moved to Lane County in 1999 and lives outside Springfield, in the district. About 47 percent of itemized individual contributions by state for 2025 to 2026 came from Oregon (FEC).
Source: Wikipedia, Val Hoyle
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Monique DeSpain. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026, with no FEC administrative fine found. She also controls two other committees.
Sources: FEC administrative fines search, committee C00921544, Bend Bulletin (Oregon Capital Chronicle), July 20, 2026
Justin Filip. No public record found.
Val Hoyle. The Oregon Elections Division assessed a $291.04 late-filing penalty on her state committee in October 2023, paid. No FEC administrative fine on her federal committee.
Sources: Oregon Secretary of State, Campaign Finance Penalty Notices (data.oregon.gov), FEC administrative fines search, committee C00796144
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Monique DeSpain. No public record found.
Justin Filip. No public record found.
Val Hoyle. Center for Effective Lawmaking rates her Exceeds Expectations for the 118th Congress (LES 2.0 of 1.195 against a benchmark of 0.522). One bill she sponsored, on Siletz tribal hunting and fishing rights, was enacted.
Sources: Center for Effective Lawmaking House dataset, 93rd to 118th Congress, Center for Effective Lawmaking, data download page, GovTrack, Val Hoyle
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Monique DeSpain. No public record found.
Justin Filip. No public record found.
Val Hoyle. Missed 41 of 1,917 roll call votes, 2.1 percent, from January 2023 to September 2026.
Source: GovTrack, missed votes
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Monique DeSpain. No public record found.
Justin Filip. No public record found.
Val Hoyle. Offers help with federal agencies and passports and lists district town halls; holds regular in-person and telephone town halls. No published casework totals found.
Source: Office of Rep. Hoyle, home page
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Monique DeSpain. No public record found.
Justin Filip. No public record found.
Val Hoyle. Lugar Center Bipartisan Index score of -1.00240 in the latest posted House scores (118th Congress, 2023), ranked 333 of 436, in the bottom quarter.
Source: Lugar Center and McCourt School Bipartisan Index, House Scores
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Monique DeSpain. No public record found.
Justin Filip. No public record found.
Val Hoyle. No public record found.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 6, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in Oregon's 4th Congressional District?
Val Hoyle has the strongest record in Oregon's 4th Congressional District. Val Hoyle scores 64 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Monique DeSpain at 56, as of October 6, 2026. Val Hoyle's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Monique DeSpain's highest marks are relevant experience and communication. Justin Filip (4 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in Oregon's 4th Congressional District in 2026?
Monique DeSpain (Republican), Justin Filip (Pacific Green), Val Hoyle (Democratic, incumbent). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Monique DeSpain a good candidate for Congress?
Monique DeSpain scores 56 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 9 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 60 of 100, performance no record. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Justin Filip a good candidate for Congress?
Justin Filip has public evidence on 4 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Val Hoyle a good candidate for Congress?
Val Hoyle scores 64 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 14 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 75 of 100, performance 69 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Oregon race scored, the trailing candidate's path to victory, and the Oregon 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.