Who's running in Oklahoma's 4th congressional district
3 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
3 candidates · ballot order · Tom Cole currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Supporting President Trump's 'pro-growth, America First' economic policies.
Fiscal conservatism, including the 2025 law's Medicaid and SNAP changes and rescinding foreign aid and public broadcasting funds.
Border security funding and the SAVE America Act's proof-of-citizenship voter registration requirement.
Protecting military installations and service member pay; supported the strikes on Iran.
Opposing abortion and Planned Parenthood funding; NRA 'A' rating.
A Truth and Healing Commission on federal Indian boarding schools (lead House sponsor).
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Oklahoma's 4th District since 2003; chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
Former Oklahoma Republican Party chairman, state legislator and Oklahoma secretary of state; former college history and politics instructor.
Enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.
Voted for the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Endorsed by President Trump.
Won the June 16, 2026 primary with 71.1%; reelected with 65.3% in 2024.
Arguments in favor
'I am running for reelection to hold the line and support President Trump's pro-growth, America First policies... strengthen our national security in a dangerous world and support our brave service members.'
— Tom Cole campaign website, quoted by NonDoc
'Congressman Tom Cole is a Tremendous Champion for Oklahoma's 4th Congressional District!' as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
— President Trump, endorsement posted on Cole's campaign site
Arguments against
'Tom Cole has been in office since 2003, and it is time for him to retire.' Federal debt has grown from $6.75 trillion when he took office to nearly $40 trillion, and his net worth grew from about $2 million to about $9 million while he raised millions from 'billionaire friends'.
Ending what he calls an unconstitutional war that is raising fuel, fertiliser and food prices.
Eliminating the federal debt and fiscal responsibility.
Rolling back the One Big Beautiful Bill Act; protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
Investing in public education.
Halting funding for mass deportations and requiring ICE oversight; 'cruelty-free immigration reform'.
Releasing the Epstein files as required by law.
A livable wage and support for small businesses.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Army, about five and a half years; sergeant and cryptologic linguist deployed to southern Syria (Operation Inherent Resolve).
Public defender in Cleveland County (Oklahoma Indigent Defense System); OU College of Law graduate.
Democratic candidate for Oklahoma House District 20 in 2024 (about 24%).
Won the June 16, 2026 Democratic primary with 54.4%.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Jacob could be found, so no arguments are listed for him (his campaign's case is in his positions). Searched: 'Mitchell Jacob Jeff Pixley primary criticism or debate', 'Tom Cole campaign Mitchell Jacob', Oklahoma Republican Party statements, and NonDoc, OU Daily/Oklahoma Voice, KSWO and Newcastle Pacer coverage.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
November 3, 2026 is Oklahoma's general election, decided by plurality with no general-election runoff. Party primaries were held June 16, 2026, with primary runoffs on August 25 for races where no candidate won a majority. Write-in voting is not permitted in Oklahoma, so there are no write-in candidates. The congressional map did not change for 2026: the districts enacted in November 2021 (HB 1002) remain in use, and no 2026 redraw or pending congressional map litigation was found. Three candidates are on the general election ballot: Republican incumbent Tom Cole, Democrat Mitchell Jacob and independent Rocco Bonacci. Cole beat Marcie Everhart with 71.1% in the June 16 Republican primary; Jacob beat retired Air Force Col. Jeff Pixley with 54.4% for the Democratic nomination. The district covers south-central Oklahoma, including Norman, Lawton, Moore, Midwest City, Ardmore and southern Oklahoma City. Cole won with 65.3% in 2024.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Oklahoma ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at Oklahoma State Election Board.