Meet the Republican candidates for Oregon's 4th Congressional District

Two Republicans, Monique DeSpain and Stefan Strek, are vying for the GOP nomination in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District primary on May 19. DeSpain, a retired Air Force colonel and attorney, centers her campaign on immigration enforcement, crime reduction, and economic challenges like high costs and homelessness. She accuses incumbent Democrat Val Hoyle of corruption, citing allegations of donor favoritism and stock trading violations, while positioning herself as an independent voice for border security and regulatory reform. Strek, a 35-year-old student and disability advocate, contrasts DeSpain by prioritizing healthcare reform and holding Democrats accountable for COVID-19 policies, which he calls 'war crimes.' His platform includes pushing for systemic changes in public health while advocating for transparency in government responses to the pandemic. Both candidates are based in Eugene and have launched digital campaigns, with DeSpain leveraging her military and legal background and Strek focusing on grassroots advocacy through social media. DeSpain argues Oregon’s 4th District faces a crisis of rising costs, public safety collapse, and partisan gridlock under Hoyle’s leadership. She proposes stricter immigration policies, reduced government spending, and targeted funding for homelessness and addiction services to address these issues. Strek, meanwhile, directs criticism at what he views as overreach during the pandemic, emphasizing accountability and reform in healthcare systems. The primary election will determine which candidate advances to face Democrat Val Hoyle in November. DeSpain’s campaign highlights her experience in national security and policy, while Strek’s platform appeals to younger voters and those disillusioned with traditional political approaches. Both candidates have engaged local communities through online platforms, though DeSpain’s campaign includes broader policy discussions, while Strek’s focuses on niche advocacy issues like disability rights and pandemic-era governance.