OR-04 Democratic nominee?
$10.3K
MAY 20, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleSocial worker
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderFemale
LocationOregon
Show moreShow less
BackgroundSocial worker
EducationMaster’s degree in Social Work
Notable personal detailsMelissa Bird is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House representing Oregon’s 4th Congressional District in the 2026 election cycle. She is a social worker and small business owner with a master’s degree and PhD in social work and has worked as a policy advocate and lobbyist, including work with Planned Parenthood organizations in Utah. She lives in Corvallis, Oregon with her husband and three children and has taught as an adjunct professor at multiple universities.
SourcesShowHide
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.
News
Melissa Bird is in the news because she is a candidate in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District primary. The available coverage is mainly a voter guide for the May 19 election and does not provide much detail about her campaign or recent actions. It mainly confirms that her race is part of the local election lineup.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements