EPHRATA — Water security, housing affordability and civic engagement are among the long-term issues drawing attention in the race to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District as voters prepare to cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 general election. 

Republican Amanda McKinney, a Yakima County commissioner, and Democrat John Duresky, a retired federal employee and military veteran, are seeking to succeed retiring Congressman Dan Newhouse and represent a district stretching across much of Central Washington, including Grant, Adams, Benton, Franklin, Yakima and portions of several neighboring counties. 

As part of the Columbia Basin Herald's election coverage, both candidates were asked a series of identical questions on issues affecting the region and the nation. Their responses are being published in a three-part Q&A series. This is the third and final installment.

In this edition, McKinney and Duresky discuss what they view as the most significant long-term challenge facing the 4th Congressional District beyond the issues dominating campaign advertisements and daily headlines. They also reflect on qualities they respect in one another despite their political differences and share final thoughts on the importance of voter participation and civic engagement in the democratic process. 

Ballots must be postmarked or returned to an official ballot drop box by Nov. 3. Voters can verify their registration status and access election information through VoteWA.gov. Grant County voters may also contact the Grant County Elections Office at 509-754-2011 ext. 2704 with election-related questions. 

Question: Beyond the issues that dominate campaign ads and headlines, what challenge facing the 4th Congressional District concerns you most about the next decade, and why do you believe it isn't receiving enough attention?

Duresky: Central Washington's economy feeds the nation. Our orchards, vineyards, ranches, and packing houses move products across the country and around the world. But the housing, infrastructure, and workforce pipelines that keep it moving are years behind what our economy demands. 

Workforce housing tops the list. Employers across the valley can't hire the people they need because those people can't afford to live here. Federal tools like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, USDA rural housing programs, and financing for water and sewer infrastructure that unlocks new development are part of the solution. 

We also need last-mile broadband to every farm, school, and clinic in this district. No reliable internet means no access to modern markets, telehealth, or remote learning. We need water infrastructure across the Columbia Basin, from irrigation modernization to storage. Federal workforce dollars must be routed throughout the district, so we're training the next generation for good jobs in ag-tech, healthcare, and skilled trades. 

McKinney: The most important resource in this district is water. My greatest concern is whether we are doing enough today to ensure dependable water supplies over the next decade. 

Declining groundwater, drought and aging delivery systems can affect far more than one growing season. They can determine whether a family farm survives, whether a community can accommodate housing and whether the next generation sees a future in agriculture. 

Water infrastructure receives too little sustained attention because projects take years to plan, permit and build. The benefits often arrive beyond an election cycle, while the consequences of delay can remain out of sight until a well fails or irrigation supplies fall short. 

I would prioritize the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, conservation and additional storage while protecting existing water rights. We need long-term planning and consistent partnerships among federal agencies, local governments, irrigation districts, tribes and agricultural producers. 

Question: Campaigns often focus on differences and disagreements. What is one quality, accomplishment or strength you genuinely admire about your opponent, and why? Given that, why do you still believe you are the better choice to represent the 4th Congressional District in Congress?

McKinney: I respect my opponent’s military service. Serving our country requires commitment and sacrifice, and that deserves recognition regardless of political affiliation. As the daughter of a veteran, I understand the importance of honoring that service. 

I believe I am the better choice because I bring nearly six years of elected local leadership, more than two decades of experience in mortgage banking and a practical understanding of Central Washington’s water, agriculture, housing and public safety challenges. 

As a county commissioner, I work directly with residents, manage taxpayer resources and help navigate problems that cross jurisdictional and political boundaries. That experience matters when turning a campaign promise into a workable policy. 

I would bring next generation conservative leadership focused on constitutional rights, secure borders, affordable energy and responsible spending, along with the willingness to work with anyone who can help deliver results for our district. 

Duresky: Commissioner McKinney has given years of public service to Yakima County, and in our debates she has been congenial and professional. I respect that, and I respect how openly she has talked about caring for her father and our veterans.  

Where we differ is the job itself. This is a federal office. I spent 37 years in federal service, in the Air Force and at Hanford, making federal programs deliver what Congress paid for. Your representative is a reflection of the needs of the district and a person you can trust to put the Federal Government to work for the people—to partner with local agencies and deliver creative solutions based on your feedback—for affordable housing, healthcare, agriculture, technology, immigration, energy, Veteran’s issues and more. You should expect your representative to work on your behalf to solve thorny issues with the resolve of an honest human being. I’m that person. I’ve spent my working life being accountable to the United States of America.  

We also differ on who we will answer to. My campaign is funded by individual donors, not corporate PACs. I will answer to the people of Central Washington, not to a president, a party, or a person. 

Question: Speaking directly to the voters of the 4th Congressional District, why do you believe their participation in this election matters, regardless of whom they choose to support?

Duresky: From Okanogan, to Benton, Franklin, Douglas, Grant, Adams, Yakima and Klickitat Counties, I've spent this campaign traveling up and down the district asking people questions and listening to their hopes, concerns and fears even when they don’t support my campaign. If elected as your Congressman, the issues that matter most to you will be my responsibility in Washington D.C. and I will not turn away from you.  

I’ve made it a point to hear from every corner of this district and I will continue to ask you to hold me accountable for my votes in Congress. I will be back and I will continue to hold virtual town halls as well so that your location is not a barrier to voicing your concerns. I want to hear from you. I will be here to represent you, not a party or a person. No matter who you support in this election, this is the job—representative.  

McKinney: Your vote matters because the decisions made in Congress reach directly into your life: what you pay for groceries and electricity, whether your community has reliable water, whether your children can find opportunities close to home and whether your constitutional rights are protected. 

Central Washington deserves to be heard. When you participate, you help determine our priorities and hold the person elected accountable for delivering on them. 

I encourage you to read both candidates’ answers, ask difficult questions and consider our experience and plans. Talk with your family and neighbors, and return your ballot.  

I am working to earn your vote, but my responsibility if elected would be to serve the entire district, including people who supported someone else. Government works best when citizens have a say and elected leaders remember whom they serve. Your participation helps make that possible.