U.S. Representative District 4 in Congressional District 4, Washington

2026 Primary Election

• Elpidia Saavedra — Mayor of Toppenish in Toppenish, Washington

  Elpidia Saavedra was born and raised in Toppenish, Washington. She is a Dental Hygienist by profession. Her educational background includes degrees from Yakima Valley College and Eastern Washington University. She currently serves as the Mayor of Toppenish.

• Jacek "jack" Kobiesa — Mechanical engineer in Pasco, WA

  Jacek Kobiesa, also known as "Jack," is a mechanical engineer who earned a bachelor's degree from Washington State University in 2008. He is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District. Kobiesa is on the primary ballot as a No Party Preference candidate on August 4, 2026, and has completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Amanda Mckinney — Incumbent Yakima County Commissioner in Yakima, WA

  Amanda McKinney, a faithful servant, wife, mother, and current Yakima County Commissioner, is running for U.S. House to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District. With a background in banking and a conservative ethos, she aims to deliver common-sense leadership to Washington, D.C. McKinney champions individual freedoms, strong families, agriculture, fiscal accountability, and first responders. A staunch defender of the Second Amendment, she advocates for law enforcement over disarming citizens. Endorsed by President Donald Trump, her campaign focuses on putting Central Washington first, protecting freedoms, and restoring common sense to the nation's capital.

• John Duresky — Retired Air Force Major in WA

  John Duresky, a Democrat, is running for U.S. House in Washington's 4th Congressional District in 2026. A retired Air Force Major with 37 years of military and civil service, including as a Hanford worker, he emphasizes experience in problem-solving and accountability. From a union household, Duresky seeks to represent working-class families, stating he couldn't sit by as families struggle and politics prioritizes power over people. His priorities include protecting rural hospitals, ensuring affordable healthcare, defending voting rights, and advocating for federal workers and small businesses. He aims to bring accountability to Washington D.C. with practical, constitution-rooted solutions for Central Washington.

• John C. Hughs — Candidate for U.S. Representative in Lind, WA

  John C. Hughs is a Republican candidate seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives, aiming to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District. He is on the ballot for the primary election scheduled for August 4, 2026, competing alongside several other candidates. As of March 31, 2026, his campaign has reported raising $1,305 and expending $1,205. The available information does not detail his professional background, specific policy stances, or the reasons behind his candidacy.

• Favian Valencia — Attorney in Yakima, WA

  Favian Valencia is a lawyer based in Yakima, Washington, who is seeking election as a U.S. Representative for the 4th Congressional District. He is running as an Independent candidate, committed to operating outside the traditional two-party system. His campaign emphasizes being people-powered, relying on grassroots donors while rejecting special interest and big money influence. He pledges to be anti-corruption, focusing on accountability and transparency in his policy agendas. Valencia also commits to running a civil campaign, free from mudslinging, upholding high standards of conduct.

• Jerrod Sessler — Businessman in Yakima, WA

  Jerrod Sessler, a Republican, is running for the U.S. House to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District in the 2026 primary. Born in Hathorn, California, and later moving to Washington, he served in the United States Navy from 1987 to 1995. Sessler holds degrees from Highline College and Kennedy Western University. His professional background includes being a businessman, author, and former NASCAR driver, active from 1998-2002. A self-described conservative activist, he aims to be a "true conservative voice for Central Washington," emphasizing election integrity and advocating for an unapologetically conservative platform. He views his candidacy as a civic duty, challenging establishment politics and calling for a district reset. He is a Stage IV cancer survivor. Sessler has previously run for this seat in 2022 and 2024.

• Devin Poore — Software engineer in East Wenatchee, WA

  Devin Poore, an independent candidate, is running for the U.S. House to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District in the 2026 election. A software engineer by trade, Poore moved to East Wenatchee in 2024 with his wife and two dogs. Raised in rural Curlew, Ferry County, he attended the University of Washington. He notes a cultural difference between urban and rural communities, suggesting a focus on community values. He faces an uphill battle as an independent in a historically Republican district, aiming to replace retiring incumbent Dan Newhouse. His campaign positions him as a left-leaning, non-party candidate.

• Ken Vaz — Candidate for U.S. Representative in WA

  Ken Vaz is a Republican running for U.S. Representative in Washington's 4th Congressional District in 2026. A University of Washington graduate with a degree in Human Centered Design Engineering, his professional background includes working as a software developer for companies like Nordstrom, Salesforce, Amazon, and Tableau across Washington's tech and retail industries. A fiscally conservative, socially libertarian Republican, Vaz is running to protect constitutional rights, lower the cost of living for Washington families, and restore fiscal discipline. He aims to challenge the political status quo with new leadership focused on results, prioritizing affordability, individual liberties, and government accountability.

• Zac Rossi — Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in West Richland, WA

  Zac Rossi is seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives for Washington's 4th Congressional District in the 2026 primary. He is running with no party preference, outside of the two-party system. Rossi states his primary motivation for running is to call attention to the national debt crisis, which he believes both major parties are responsible for. He advocates for reforms such as streamlining health programs, modernizing entitlements for high-earners, restraining federal spending, and implementing realistic tax reform. He also has the unusual policy position of ending Daylight Saving Time. He explicitly states, "Do not waste your vote on me," indicating his candidacy is a protest or awareness campaign rather than a typical bid for office.

• Matt Boehnke — Incumbent Washington State Senator in Olympia, WA

  Matt Boehnke, a Republican, serves as a Washington State Senator for the 8th Legislative District. He is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington's 4th Congressional District in the 2026 Primary Election, intending to succeed the retiring Representative Dan Newhouse. Boehnke will step down from his state senate seat to pursue federal office. He has received multiple legislative awards, including the Guardians of Small Business Award and Legislator of the Year honors. His background includes success in collegiate cyber defense and involvement with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. He championed legislation to strengthen financial stability for individuals in the care of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.