Two hopefuls for Washington’s 4th congressional seat faced off on the issues that keep central Washington families on the edge of their wallets.
Key points
- Duresky attributes rising living costs to federal trade policies and international conflict, while McKinney points to state regulations and energy policy.
- Both candidates support expanding the H‑2A visa program but differ on how to streamline it for small farms.
- Rural hospitals face financial pressure; Duresky wants to reverse recent Medicaid cuts, whereas McKinney proposes loan‑repayment incentives for providers.
- The race will be decided on Election Day, with multiple voting options available to Washington residents.
On Sept. 30, Northwest Public Broadcasting hosted a candidate forum in the Tri‑Cities where Democrat John Duresky and Republican Amanda McKinney outlined their visions for the 4th Congressional District, a region that stretches across Douglas, Okanogan, Grant, Yakima, Benton, Klickitat and parts of Adams and Franklin counties.
Both candidates agreed that rising prices are straining residents, but they blamed different forces. Duresky linked higher grocery and fuel costs to tariffs, trade wars and the war in Iran, arguing that Congress—not the executive—should set trade policy. McKinney, citing state‑level regulations, said over‑regulation and policies restricting natural‑gas development have driven up costs, and she urged a return to the Trump administration’s energy agenda, including expanded nuclear power.
Cost of Living Concerns
Agricultural concerns dominated the Q&A, with farmers voicing worries about diesel prices, labor shortages and unharvested crops. McKinney, who grew up on a Central Washington farm, called for more competition among fertilizer and seed suppliers and a push to rebuild cattle herds, while supporting an expanded H‑2A visa program that she described as “an absolute godsend.” Duresky, recalling his own experience hoeing beans, emphasized simplifying the H‑2A process for small growers and warned that tariffs have hurt the state’s export markets.
Rural health care emerged as a third flashpoint. Duresky criticized the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1) for cutting Medicaid, saying it threatens the viability of small hospitals and citing a story of a patient lacking a podiatrist. He warned that upcoming Medicaid work‑requirements could further strain facilities. McKinney concurred that rural hospitals are under duress but placed the blame on decades‑long policy trends, arguing that expanding the Affordable Care Act raised costs and reduced quality, and suggesting student‑loan forgiveness for providers as a recruitment tool.
Agriculture Policy Proposals
Washington voters can cast ballots on Tuesday, with drop‑box deadlines at 8 p.m. and mail‑in ballots recommended to be sent a week early. Early voting sites remain open through Election Day, and the Secretary of State has emphasized accessibility at county election offices and voting centers.
Reader questions
When is the election for Washington’s 4th Congressional District?
Election Day is on Tuesday, and ballots must be deposited in drop boxes by 8 p.m. Mail‑in ballots should be sent at least a week in advance, and early voting sites stay open through the day.
What are the candidates’ positions on rural hospitals?
Duresky wants to undo recent Medicaid cuts introduced by H.R. 1 and is concerned about upcoming work‑requirement rules. McKinney acknowledges the strain on rural hospitals but attributes it to long‑standing policy changes and suggests student‑loan forgiveness to attract providers.
How do the candidates propose to address agricultural labor shortages?
Both support expanding the H‑2A visa program for seasonal farm workers. McKinney calls it a “godsend” and wants it to remain legal, while Duresky emphasizes simplifying the program for small growers.
Source: nwpb.org
