--- title: "Jacob vs. Cole: 2026 Oklahoma’s 4th District race" url: "https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-ok-04" updated: "2026-08-01" source: "Candidates' campaign sites and Ballotpedia, quoted verbatim" publisher: "Pluribus" --- # 2026 Oklahoma’s 4th District race: Mitchell Jacob (D) vs. Tom Cole (R) Rating: Safe R · Election: November 3, 2026 · Ballot checked: October 9, 2026 · Positions captured: August 1, 2026 In Oklahoma's 4th Congressional District, long-time Republican incumbent Tom Cole faces Democratic nominee Mitchell Jacob in the November 3, 2026 general election. Cole, who currently serves as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, advanced from the Republican primary on June 16, 2026, while Jacob, an Army veteran and public defender, won the Democratic primary. The matchup hinges on sharp contrasts regarding national debt and federal spending, border security and ICE oversight, reproductive rights, energy policy, and foreign aid. ## Candidates - **Mitchell Jacob** (Democrat) · [Campaign site](https://mitchelljacob.com) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mitchell_Jacob) - **Tom Cole** (Republican, incumbent) · [Campaign site](https://tomcoleforcongress.com) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tom_Cole_%28Oklahoma%29) ## Issues ### Federal Debt and Fiscal Policy Salience: high Jacob calls for eliminating the federal debt by stopping debt limit increases and adopting single-subject legislation, whereas Cole highlights his record as Appropriations Chair voting for major reconciliation budget packages while opposing Democratic spending proposals. **Mitchell Jacob:** Supports cutting federal spending and debt Jacob identifies the skyrocketing national debt as the single greatest threat to American democracy and the nation's primary challenge over the next decade. He advocates for ending debt limit increases, cutting spending, reducing tax expenditures, and adopting a federal single-subject rule for legislation to prevent bloated spending bills. - Calls for cutting spending and greatly reducing tax expenditures to eliminate the federal debt. - Proposes applying Oklahoma's single-subject rule to federal legislation to eliminate multi-topic omnibus spending bills. - Opposes continuing to raise the federal debt limit. > “The biggest threat to our democracy is our skyrocketing national debt. When Cole took office in 2003, we owed $6.75 trillion; by 2016, we owed $16 trillion; now it’s rapidly approaching $40 trillion. We need to stop raising the debt limit, cut spending, greatly reduce our tax expenditures, and eliminate the federal debt.” > — Mitchell Jacob, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mitchell_Jacob) **Tom Cole:** Supports spending restraint and budget reconciliation Cole positions himself as a fiscal hawk who supports structural budget reforms and opposed trillion-dollar Democratic spending bills during the Biden administration. As House Appropriations Committee Chairman, he supported major reconciliation legislation including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. - Signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge with Americans for Tax Reform. - Voted for H.R. 1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) in 2025 and budget resolutions setting federal spending levels. - Opposed Biden-era spending legislation such as the American Rescue Plan. > “Tom has been a fiscal hawk while voting for the structural changes needed to tackle our debt and deficit. Tom opposed Biden era trillion dollar debt bombs like the American Rescue Plan” > — Tom Cole, via [Campaign site](https://tomcoleforcongress.com) ### Border Security and Immigration Salience: high Jacob calls to abolish ICE and institute strict police oversight, while Cole voted for $70 billion in border security and ICE funding alongside strict enforcement legislation. **Mitchell Jacob:** Supports abolishing ICE and immigration reform Jacob advocates for abolishing ICE and dismantling what he calls a broken immigration enforcement system, calling instead for body camera mandates, federal oversight, and de-escalation. He favors processing work visas, asylum claims, and refugee requests efficiently while treating immigrants with dignity and opposing mass deportations. - Calls explicitly to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). - Demands mandatory body cameras and publication of footage within 48 hours for federal immigration law enforcement. - Supports streamlining legal immigration processes for work visas, asylum claims, and refugees. > “We don't need to fund a $70 billion political weapon. We need to launch a full investigation into ICE, including its leadership. We must ban them from wearing masks, from kidnapping people off our streets without a warrant.” > — Mitchell Jacob, via [Campaign site](https://mitchelljacob.com) > “Abolish it.” > — Mitchell Jacob, via [Campaign site](https://mitchelljacob.com) **Tom Cole:** Supports border enforcement and ICE funding Cole emphasizes border security as the premier component of national immigration policy, supporting major funding for law enforcement, physical barriers, and strict immigration enforcement laws. He voted to direct billions in funding to Border Patrol and ICE and voted for measures enabling the deportation or detention of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. - Voted for $70 billion in federal funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection. - Voted for the Secure Fence Act of 2006 to build 700 miles of southern border fencing. - Voted for the Laken Riley Act and legislation making DUI offenses grounds for deportation. > “Tom has always believed that border security is the most important component of our immigration policy. Tom voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill which rushed historic resources to President Trump” > — Tom Cole, via [Campaign site](https://tomcoleforcongress.com) ### Healthcare and Reproductive Rights Salience: high Jacob champions pro-choice policies and considers healthcare a human right, whereas Cole holds top anti-abortion ratings and voted 68 times to repeal Obamacare. **Mitchell Jacob:** Supports abortion rights and universal healthcare Jacob considers healthcare to be a human right and advocates for affordable access without insurance denials. He strongly supports abortion rights, maintaining that medical choices belong between patients and physicians without political interference. - Declares healthcare to be a fundamental human right. - Supports protecting abortion access and preventing politicians from imposing healthcare restrictions across state lines. - Opposes health insurance denials for necessary medical care. > “I believe in a government that respects individuals' rights to make personal medical choices in consultation with their physicians. Politicians should not impose their personal beliefs on these deeply personal discussions and decisions.” > — Mitchell Jacob, via [Campaign site](https://mitchelljacob.com) **Tom Cole:** Opposes abortion and Obamacare Cole maintains a strongly anti-abortion voting record, holding top ratings from national pro-life organizations. He has consistently voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act and oppose federal healthcare mandates. - Voted 68 times to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). - Earned a 100% rating from National Right to Life and an A+ rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. - Consistently votes for anti-abortion legislation in the U.S. House. > “Tom has a 100% rating from the National Right to Life Committee, An A+ Rating from the Susan B. Anthony List, and has always fought to protect the unborn.” > — Tom Cole, via [Campaign site](https://tomcoleforcongress.com) ### Gun Policy Salience: medium Jacob advocates for targeted gun safety legislation like the HOPE Act alongside Second Amendment rights, whereas Cole holds an A rating from the NRA and opposes new firearm restrictions. **Mitchell Jacob:** Supports gun safety legislation like HOPE Act Jacob supports responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights while endorsing the HOPE Act to target negligent firearm storage and illegal transfers to minors. He explicitly states he does not support taking away firearms from law-abiding citizens. - Supports the HOPE Act to penalize negligent gun storage and illegal firearm transfers to minors. - Pledges to uphold the Second Amendment while opposing blanket federal firearm bans. - Prioritizes gun safety measures aimed at protecting children. > “I support the HOPE Act to uphold the right to bear arms while promoting responsible ownership and accountability. As for gun control, I will not take your guns away.” > — Mitchell Jacob, via [Campaign site](https://mitchelljacob.com) **Tom Cole:** Opposes new firearm restrictions Cole is a firm defender of Second Amendment rights who opposes gun control legislation, earning an top rating from the National Rifle Association for his record in Congress. - Holds an A rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA). - Opposes Democratic gun control legislation in the House of Representatives. - Consistently votes against firearm regulations. > “Tom has an A rating with the NRA and has been proud to stand strong for our second amendment rights.” > — Tom Cole, via [Campaign site](https://tomcoleforcongress.com) ### Energy and Economic Policy Salience: medium Jacob emphasizes living wages, start-up tax relief, and rural community development, while Cole focuses on fossil fuel expansion, lifting energy export bans, and cutting business regulations. **Mitchell Jacob:** Supports living wages and rural business development Jacob supports living wages and economic policies targeting small business growth, including temporary corporate tax exemptions for new start-ups. He also advocates for strategic federal investments in rural infrastructure, agriculture, and supply chain resilience. - Supports living wages and investments in local infrastructure to combat poverty. - Proposed exempting new small businesses from corporate taxes for up to five years or until reaching $500,000 in gross revenue. - Calls for targeted investments in rural areas for agricultural development and industrial growth outside major metros. > “We must invest in rural areas through small business programs aimed at agricultural development, eliminating food deserts, industrial development outside major metropolitan areas, and more.” > — Mitchell Jacob, via [Campaign site](https://mitchelljacob.com) **Tom Cole:** Supports energy production and deregulation Cole advocates for deregulation and expanded domestic energy production, highlighting his leadership in lifting the U.S. crude oil export ban. Endorsed by state business and agricultural organizations, he promotes free-market growth to drive Oklahoma's economy. - Successfully fought to repeal the federal crude oil export ban to boost domestic production. - Voted for H.R. 1 (Lower Energy Costs Act) to expand domestic oil and gas leasing and streamline energy permitting. - Endorsed by the State Chamber of Oklahoma PAC and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Ag PAC. > “Tom successfully fought to end the oil export ban and continues to fight for American Energy Independence and Oklahoma’s economy” > — Tom Cole, via [Campaign site](https://tomcoleforcongress.com) ### Foreign Policy and Defense Salience: medium Jacob demands halting all U.S. military aid to Israel over Gaza civilian casualties, whereas Cole strongly backs military spending, military installations like Tinker Air Force Base, and pro-Israel organizations. **Mitchell Jacob:** Opposes U.S. military support for Israel's military campaign Jacob, an Army veteran who deployed to Syria, opposes U.S. economic and military aid to Israel due to civilian casualties in Gaza. He believes the U.S. must withhold support until military aggression ceases, while affirming every nation's general right to self-defense. - Calls for the U.S. to halt all political, economic, and military support to Israel due to indiscriminate bombing and civilian deaths in Gaza. - Draws on his military background as an Army Cryptologic Linguist deployed to Syria during Operation Inherent Resolve. > “Israel’s indiscriminate bombing and killing of civilians are clearly war crimes, and I believe the United States must cease all economic, political, and military support for Israel until they cease their campaign of violence and aggression.” > — Mitchell Jacob, via [Campaign site](https://mitchelljacob.com) **Tom Cole:** Supports defense funding and pro-Israel policies Cole emphasizes strong national defense spending and protecting Oklahoma military bases like Tinker Air Force Base. Endorsed by pro-Israel organizations, he consistently votes for defense authorization bills and military pay raises. - Protected AWACS aircraft and military missions at Tinker Air Force Base from federal budget cuts. - Voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 authorizing defense programs and military pay raises. - Endorsed by the Republican Jewish Coalition. > “Oklahomans know very well the importance that the state plays in keeping our nation safe. From protecting our military installations from cuts and continuing to work to add missions, to continually winning pay” > — Tom Cole, via [Campaign site](https://tomcoleforcongress.com) ### Voting Rights and Government Oversight Salience: low Jacob focuses on government transparency, refusing PAC money, and term limits, while Cole emphasizes election integrity policies such as national voter ID and proof-of-citizenship voting requirements. **Mitchell Jacob:** Supports releasing Epstein files and government transparency Jacob supports government transparency, rejecting corporate PAC funding and taking the U.S. Term Limits pledge. He advocates for releasing the Epstein files in full compliance with federal law and accountability for crimes against women and children. - Demands the full release of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files pursuant to federal law. - Rejects corporate PAC donations, running a grassroots campaign. - Signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge. > “Release them. First, because Congress passed a law requiring it. Second, crimes against women and children are appalling and should not be covered up.” > — Mitchell Jacob, via [Campaign site](https://mitchelljacob.com) **Tom Cole:** Supports mandatory voter ID and voter proof of citizenship Cole supports election integrity measures, voting for national voter ID mandates and federal requirements for proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. He also voted for the Epstein Files Transparency Act in 2025. - Voted for the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. - Supports national voter ID requirements through the SAVE and SAVE American Act. - Voted for the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405) in 2025 requiring DOJ publication of Epstein records. > “Tom believes that every American should feel secure about our elections system. That’s why he’s supported the SAVE and SAVE American Act, which mandates voter ID across the country and the requirement of” > — Tom Cole, via [Campaign site](https://tomcoleforcongress.com) ### Public Education Salience: medium **Mitchell Jacob:** Supports funding public schools and free school meals Jacob views public education as the greatest equalizer and advocates for increasing public school funding, providing free school meals, and halting school voucher or tax credit programs that divert public funds. - Advocates for fully funding public schools and offering universal free school meals. - Opposes school voucher/tax credit programs, having previously proposed repealing the Parental Choice Tax Credit Act. - Emphasizes improving Oklahoma fourth-grade reading proficiency and graduation readiness. > “Every child deserves a quality education, and I promise to fight every single day for Oklahoma's kids. Nearly a quarter of kids live in poverty. Education funding is among the lowest in the country.” > — Mitchell Jacob, via [Campaign site](https://mitchelljacob.com) **Tom Cole:** No documented position in our sources ## Polls and markets _Updated Oct 31._ - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/ok-04-house-election-winner) — OK-04 House Election Winner: Republicans 96.5%, Democrats 3.8% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/KXHOUSERACE-OK04-26) — OK-04 House winner?: Tom Cole 96.5%, Mitchell Jacob 4.8% [View this race on 2026election.com](https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-ok-04)