Democratic Candidates for District 4 Debate Ahead of June Primaries

Incumbent Mike Thompson faces challengers Eric Jones and Trevor Merrell in online forum

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The three Democratic candidates for California's 4th Congressional District - incumbent Rep. Mike Thompson and challengers Eric Jones and Trevor Merrell - participated in an online forum on February 9th, 2026, hosted by the Sonoma Valley Democrats. The candidates discussed a range of issues including the SAVE America Act, immigration policy, climate change, and campaign finance reform ahead of the June primaries.

Why it matters

The 4th Congressional District race is expected to be highly competitive, with the incumbent facing two progressive challengers. The outcome could shift the balance of power in the House of Representatives, making this an important race to watch in the 2026 election cycle.

The details

During the forum, the candidates outlined their policy platforms and qualifications. Jones, a former Wall Street analyst, pledged to reject corporate donations and 'fight for working-class, middle-class and young Americans.' Merrell, a first-time candidate and Marine Corps veteran, called for ending for-profit healthcare, banning insider trading by members of Congress, and making 'radical' changes to address climate change. Incumbent Thompson touted his experience and record of delivering federal funding for wildfire relief and other district priorities.

  • The online-only candidates' forum was held on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • The California primary elections for the 4th Congressional District are scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Mike Thompson

The incumbent Democratic Representative for California's 4th Congressional District, first elected in 1998. He has served on the House Ways and Means Committee and as a leader on gun violence prevention initiatives.

Eric Jones

A 34-year-old challenger to Rep. Thompson, Jones is a former analyst at J.P. Morgan and Dragoneer investment group who has pledged to reject corporate campaign donations.

Trevor Merrell

A 25-year-old first-time candidate and Sonoma County native, Merrell is a case manager for adults with disabilities and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

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What they’re saying

“I am not there to get rich. I'm there to fight for working-class, middle-class and young Americans.”

— Eric Jones, Candidate (sonomanews.com)

“This will be the matter of returning our country to the place it was a bit more than a year ago. Undoing what is being done under the current administration will take a tremendous and radical effort on the part of Democrats and our allies.”

— Trevor Merrell, Candidate (sonomanews.com)

“We need a representative that is battle-tested with real experience fighting Trump to go work on our behalf and I am running on my merit with a record of accomplishments.”

— Mike Thompson, Incumbent Representative (sonomanews.com)

What’s next

The California primary elections for the 4th Congressional District are scheduled for June 2026, where voters will choose the Democratic nominee to advance to the general election.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party between establishment figures and more progressive challengers. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives.