As of 2017, the 4th district represents 747,188 people who are predominantly white (80.8%) and middle-class (median family income is US$56,062, compared to $50,046 nationwide).

He had been rumored as a party switcher for some time, and many experts believed he would almost certainly be succeeded by a Republican once he retired.

Underlining just how Republican this district was, the Democrats have only managed as much as 30% of the vote once since Hall's party switch.

[citation needed] He ran unopposed for reelection in 2016, and defeated a nominal Democratic challenger in 2018.

[citation needed] In May 2020, Ratcliffe resigned his seat ahead of his swearing-in to become the 6th Director of National Intelligence.