Astoria, OR – In a new chapter of her political career, Val Hoyle, the newly reelected U.S. Representative for Oregon’s 4th Congressional District, has returned to Washington, D.C. with a clear sense of purpose. In a recent interview on Oregon On The Record, Hoyle discussed the challenges of navigating Congress as a member of the minority party, her goals for the state of Oregon, and her perspective on the future of the Democratic Party.
Hoyle, who was elected to Congress in 2022 after a successful run for the seat previously held by Peter DeFazio, now finds herself in a House of Representatives controlled by Republicans. Despite this shift, Hoyle remains resolute in her commitment to her constituents, emphasizing that her mission in Washington will be to fight for the interests of Oregonians.
“I’m going to continue to work for Oregon,” Hoyle stated, underscoring her dedication to the state even in a period of divided government. “Our priorities remain the same: ensuring good jobs, tackling climate change, and protecting access to affordable healthcare.”
As a member of the minority party, Hoyle acknowledges the limitations that come with a lack of control over the legislative agenda. However, she expressed confidence that even within these constraints, she can still push forward policies that benefit her district and state. “We may not have the majority, but we have the voice,” she said, signaling her determination to work across the aisle where necessary and to advocate for Oregon’s needs at every turn.
However, her advocacy isn’t limited to policy discussions. In her interview, Hoyle also took the opportunity to deliver what could be considered “tough love” to her fellow Democrats. She called on her party to refocus its efforts on engaging working-class voters—an area where Democrats have struggled to maintain strong support in recent years.
Hoyle acknowledged that, while the party has made strides in appealing to progressive and urban voters, there remains a significant portion of the electorate that feels overlooked. “We need to do better at reaching out to working-class voters, especially in rural areas,” she said. “We can’t take their votes for granted. We need to listen to their concerns and show them that we’re fighting for their future.”
Her call for a more inclusive and responsive Democratic Party was a central theme of the conversation, and it’s clear that Hoyle sees this as vital not just for the party’s success, but for the nation’s future. “If we don’t address the needs of working people, we’re going to keep seeing the divisions that are tearing this country apart,” she warned.
In her return to Washington, Hoyle is faced with the reality of a deeply divided Congress, where bipartisanship seems increasingly rare. Yet, her pragmatic approach—focused on Oregon’s specific needs while offering constructive criticism to her own party—paints a picture of a representative determined to bridge gaps, build coalitions, and deliver for her state.
With her focus on practical, people-first solutions and a clear-eyed view of the political landscape, Hoyle is positioning herself as a leader in Oregon’s delegation, ready to fight for the state’s future in Washington, D.C.
