Washington's 4th congressional district encompasses a large area of central Washington, covering the counties of Douglas, Okanogan, Grant, Yakima, Benton, and Klickitat; and parts of Adams and Franklin counties.

With a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of R+11, it is the most Republican district in Washington.

The last Democrat to represent the district was Jay Inslee, who held the seat during the 103rd Congress.

After losing to Hastings in 1994, Inslee later moved to Bainbridge Island and was sent back to Congress representing the first district in the central Puget Sound area.

In the 2008 election, Hastings easily defeated challenger George Fearing.