Valerie Hoyle

Valerie Hoyle is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Oregon's 4th Congressional District. Born on Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, and raised in New England, she was the first in her family to graduate from college. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Emmanuel College in 1992 after attending Bunker Hill Community College. Before entering public office, Hoyle spent 25 years in the international bicycle industry, focusing on retail management, manufacturing, and international trade, and worked for organizations such as the United Way of Lane County. Her political career began with an appointment to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2009, where she served until 2017 and rose to the position of Majority Leader. In 2018, she was elected statewide as Oregon's Labor Commissioner, leading the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). Hoyle was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2022 to succeed long-time Representative Peter DeFazio and was sworn into the 118th Congress in January 2023. In Congress, she serves on the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Hoyle's policy platform is centered on labor rights, environmental protection, and social welfare. She advocates for the 'working class' by supporting a $15 federal minimum wage, comprehensive paid family and medical leave, and the expansion of union apprenticeship programs. On healthcare, she supports strengthening Social Security and Medicare, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and codifying reproductive rights into federal law. Regarding the environment, Hoyle emphasizes a transition to a clean energy economy and has a history of supporting legislation to phase out coal power and double renewable energy standards. She also prioritizes wildfire prevention and recovery funding for her district. On public safety, she is a vocal supporter of gun control measures, including universal background checks and red flag laws. Her voting record indicates support for international aid to Ukraine and opposition to ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for displaced populations.