DeSpain: Rep. Hoyle’s failed record and a better, hopeful path

By Monique DeSpain for Congress,

In November 2023, I asked a simple question: Why don’t we have a safe and prosperous Oregon? The answer remains clear — we lack bold, results-driven leadership in Oregon and in Congress. Two years later, as the government shutdown drags on and our 4th District continues to struggle, Oregon’s leadership void remains glaring. I’m running for Congress in Oregon’s 4th District again because I refuse to give up on Oregon or surrender our future to failed, self-serving career politicians — starting with my opponent, U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle.

In 2024, voters told me exactly what they want: a stronger economy, safer neighborhoods, an end to deadly drugs and unchecked crime, and an accountable government that spends tax dollars wisely. That’s what I campaigned on and promised to deliver. Predictably, Hoyle has delivered none of it. In fact, she votes against reform and common sense. The people of Oregon’s 4th District deserve far better.

Hoyle’s record tells a story of disappointment, excuses, blame and politics over people. She has almost nothing to show for her time in Congress and has been absent on the big issues that matter most to the voters of our region. Last year, she voted against the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA) and signed an Old Growth Letter pledging her support for further restrictions on responsible forest access, while our forests go up in flames, rural communities struggle and both young and old leave Oregon in search of a better life. Managing our forests wisely—boosting harvests, reducing wildfire risk and restoring timber jobs—would save our precious forests and revitalize our economy, fund public safety, schools and infrastructure. Instead, Hoyle stays silent as U.S. Sens. Wyden and Merkley stall FOFA, preferring helicopter photo ops with anti-forest management special interests to practical, effective policies. As your Congresswoman, I will actively support FOFA and other bipartisan reforms that promote healthy, sustainable forests — protecting communities, saving jobs and rebuilding Oregon’s natural-resource economy.

Hoyle’s conduct during the recent shutdown revealed more misplaced priorities. On Sept. 19, she voted to shut down our government, depriving workers of paychecks and families of services — all to give her party bosses “political leverage.” Earlier this year, she voted against eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security — yet still claims to champion working families. When Congress voted to condemn all political violence with H. Res. 719 and called upon all Americans to join this commitment, she sought the coward’s refuge and voted “present.” In December 2023, Hoyle chose silence over conviction and voted “present” as the House overwhelmingly condemned rising antisemitism after the Oct. 7 attacks. That’s not leadership — it’s moral evasion. I will always speak clearly: I unequivocally condemn antisemitism, every form of religious persecution, and all political violence. That’s the moral clarity voters should get from their member of Congress.

Hoyle’s ethical lapses also follow a troubling pattern. This year, she violated the STOCK Act by failing to report trades for over a year — a law meant to ensure transparency and prevent members of Congress from profiting off their elected positions. During that period, her assets ballooned from $439,000 in 2022 to $1.72 million in 2025. Her explanation? She “didn’t realize” she was making so much money and didn’t mean to fail to report it.

If you’re getting that déjà vu feeling, it’s because we’ve seen this before with Hoyle. After leaving as head of Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries, Hoyle delayed releasing public records for nearly a year — correspondence that later exposed her role as the “ringleader” of a pay-to-play scheme benefiting the corrupt owners of the now-notorious marijuana company La Mota. Those same records drew a federal subpoena from the Biden-appointed U.S. Attorney for Oregon. Hoyle insisted she’d simply been “duped” for three years by “bad people” who, coincidentally, also had active labor law complaints before her agency. Transparency advocates remain unconvinced that the full truth has ever been revealed.

The 4th District’s challenges are serious, and solving them requires real leadership — not a partisan operator focused on her own political career. While Hoyle spends her time name-calling and grandstanding, we need someone who will build relationships in Washington, regardless of who holds the office of President, Speaker, or other leadership positions. Our 4th District’s potential can be unleashed by leadership that brings home infrastructure funding, fosters small business growth and responsibly taps Oregon’s natural resources. This is how we return to prosperity, safe neighborhoods and affordable communities with good jobs, and schools and abundant housing.

I’m prepared to deliver those results. I bring the experience of a successful legal career and over 30 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Reserve, and the Oregon Air National Guard. I’ve listened, led, and delivered — in business, the military, and my community. In Eugene, Springfield, and Salem, I’ve fought for businesses, crime victims and against workplace discrimination, and demanded accountability from those in power. I ask tough questions, dig for the truth and empower problem solvers to succeed. That’s how true public servants deliver lasting solutions to the challenges we face.

It’s time for real leadership, commonsense problem-solving, and a government that works for the people again. Together, we can restore an affordable, prosperous and safe Oregon.

I’m ready to lead our great comeback. Will you join me?