Democratic Primary Candidates, Congressional District 4
Time: Noon to 1:15 pm
Venue: WOW Hall
291 West 8th
Eugene, Oregon
97401
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We will meet at the WOW Hall, 291 W 8th. Learn more: https://wowhall.org/about-us/. Walk, ride a bike or take the bus. You may park on the street or in the parking lot of FOOD for Lane County's Dining Room, across 8th from the WOW Hall. A freewill donation acknowledging the Dining Room's generosity may be made at the meeting.
Lunch will be available for $15.
Topic:
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 critical 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
Title: Candidate
Organization: Congressional District 4
Website: https://ballotpedia.org/Dan_Bahlen
Biography:
The professional and educational profile of each candidate below is based on information provided to the Oregon Secretary of State in support of their respective candidate filing.
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.
Title: Candidate
Organization: Congressional District 4
Website: https://www.melissabirdforcongress.com/theissues
Biography:
The professional and educational profile of each candidate below is based on information provided to the Oregon Secretary of State in support of their respective candidate filing.
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.
