Three Candidates Will Seek Ohio's 4th District Seat
Voters in Ohio's 4th Congressional District will head to the polls on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Elections
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Three candidates are set to compete for the congressional seat representing Ohio's 4th District in the upcoming general election on November 3, 2026. The field features a Republican incumbent and two challengers vying to represent areas including Richland and Delaware counties.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine who occupies the seat for a two-year term with an annual salary of $174,000. Candidates are presenting distinct legislative platforms as they look to secure support from voters across the district.
The race features incumbent Jim Jordan alongside challengers Joshua Kolasinski and Tracey Tackett. The winning representative will serve a two-year term in Congress.
The players
Jim Jordan
He is the Republican incumbent for the 4th Congressional District who previously served six years each as a state representative and state senator.
Joshua Kolasinski
He is a Democratic candidate and business owner who operates Flex Biomedical LLC.
Tracey Tackett
She is an independent candidate and assistant mayor who was elected to the Springfield City Commission in 2023.
The details
Incumbent Jim Jordan faces Democrat Joshua Kolasinski, who owns Flex Biomedical LLC, and independent candidate Tracey Tackett, an assistant mayor and city commissioner in Springfield. Tackett has proposed forming an Independent Caucus, while Kolasinski has pledged to hold quarterly town halls if elected to the seat.
Timeline
Tracey Tackett was elected to the Springfield City Commission in 2023.
The general election for the 4th Congressional District will take place on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
This election follows the pattern established by the U.S. Constitution's requirements for House of Representatives terms, which mandates that members stand for election every two years. Opposition parties often challenge incumbents by highlighting local policy differences and proposing alternative legislative frameworks.
The election will directly determine which legislative priorities are represented in Congress for constituents in Richland and Delaware counties. Voters must decide which candidate's proposed initiatives, such as quarterly town halls or independent caucuses, best serve their local community.
The takeaway
Voters in the district should evaluate the candidates' specific policy proposals and legislative experience before heading to the polls. Researching the candidates' plans for district engagement and legislative representation is an essential step for every participating voter.
Further reading
Learn more about upcoming races in the state by visiting the Ohio elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Richland Source.
Live Poll
Should voters in your district favor local government experience when choosing a member of Congress?
