Melissa Bird
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Oregon
OR-04 Democratic nominee?
$10.3K
MAY 20, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — OR-04 Democratic nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0.1%chance to win
$10.3KMAY 20, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleSelf-employed (Dr. Melissa Bird, LLC)
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderFemale
LocationOregon
Show moreShow less
BackgroundSelf-employed (Dr. Melissa Bird, LLC)
EducationUniversity of Southern California — PhD, Social Work
Notable personal detailsMelissa Bird is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District in the 2026 election cycle. She is self-employed (Dr. Melissa Bird, LLC) and has worked in advocacy and politics, including roles as an executive director at Planned Parenthood Action Council of Utah and as an adjunct professor at several universities. She holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Southern California and an MSW from the University of Utah. She lives in Corvallis, Oregon with her husband and three children.
SourcesShowHide
Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports ending regressive taxation, increasing funding for social programs (SNAP, WIC, CHIP), raising the minimum wage, and federal investments in housing and community-focused economic development; emphasizes putting community over corporate interests and opposing big-money influence.
Healthcare
Supports universal healthcare and frames healthcare as a right. Advocates expanding access to coverage and stronger public programs. Positions include prioritizing healthcare access for working families and rural communities.
Show moreShow less
Immigration & Border
The candidate has expressed opposition to expansion of ICE facilities in the district and raised concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity locally. Her public remarks and interviews highlight attention to asylum/immigrant access and opposition to punitive enforcement actions in her constituency.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports abortion access and describes herself as pro-choice. Positions family and reproductive rights under a "Pro-Choice & Pro-Family" platform.
Climate & Energy
Supports proactive climate and environmental actions including regional climate response plans prioritizing wildfire recovery, water access, and frontline communities; stronger stewardship of forests, rivers, and public lands with tribal consultation; and expedited federal disaster recovery for rural and tribal areas. Also favors regulation of energy- and water-intensive facilities such as AI/data centers to prevent environmental harm.
Latest News
Melissa Bird is in the news because she has advanced from Washington’s 4th Congressional District 2026 primary, putting her in the next round of the race. The district is open because Rep. Dan Newhouse is retiring after six terms, and the field is crowded with 11 candidates. Recent coverage mainly focuses on the primary results and the broader election process as ballots are still being counted.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Washington state's primary
A procrastinator's guide to Lane County's May 19 election
The Latest: Kentucky polls begin to close as Massie faces Trump-backed challenger
Nine local candidates raised more than $100,000 this election
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
2026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements