One of the most closely watched House races in Northern California has no Republican in it. In the 4th Congressional District, longtime Rep. Mike Thompson faces fellow Democrat Eric Jones. It's a contest the Press Democrat calls a clash of identity rather than policy. More races are in our 2026 election guide.

The district

According to the Press Democrat, the redrawn district stretches from Sonoma County into Placer, Sacramento and Yuba counties. SFGATE notes that Proposition 50 redrew it last year to reach from eastern Sonoma County to southwest Placer County.

The candidates

  • Mike Thompson, 75, of St. Helena, is in his 28th year in the House and is seeking a 15th term. He served eight years in the state Senate before that, per the Press Democrat. SFGATE says his campaign points to more than $790 million brought in for fire survivors and flood protection.
  • Eric Jones, 35, is a former venture capitalist. KTVU reports he grew up in poverty and relied on public assistance as a child. SFGATE says he has self-funded about $14.8 million, a record for a self-funded California congressional candidate. His proposals include ending federal income tax on the first $150,000 of income and breaking PG&E's monopoly.

The polls

On Wednesday the Jones campaign released two polls it paid for. Per SFGATE, Fulcrum Strategy Group had Jones ahead 53% to 40% among 400 likely voters, and David Binder Research had him ahead 45% to 35%. These are internal polls from one campaign. Before those polls came out, KTVU reported that recent polling showed Thompson well ahead.

The pitch

"It's not working in Sacramento. It's not working in Washington, D.C.," Jones told KTVU. Thompson's campaign told SFGATE that "Mike Thompson will fight Trump and deliver for this district while Eric Jones is only in it for himself." Republican Ray Riehle, who finished third in the primary, has endorsed Jones. Thompson has the support of 10 local Republican leaders, according to SFGATE.

How to vote

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.