Arizona first gained a fourth district after the 1970 census. It covered the entire northeastern portion of the state, from northern Phoenix all the way to the New Mexico border. However, the great majority of its vote was cast in northern Phoenix, which was heavily Republican.
With the Valley's dramatic growth over the next two decades, the district was made significantly more compact in the 1990 census, losing all of its territory outside of the Phoenix area. Like its predecessor, it was reliably Republican.
After the 2000 census, the old 4th essentially became the 3rd district. A new 4th district was created in the heavily Latino portions of inner Phoenix. This district was the only safe Democratic district in the Phoenix area, and remained in Democratic hands for its entire existence in this configuration.
After the 2010 census, this district essentially became the 7th district, while a new 4th was created in the mostly rural western and northwestern portion of the state. While the old 4th was easily the most Democratic district in Arizona, the new 4th was far and away the most Republican district in Arizona, and one of the most Republican districts in the West. In all presidential elections contested since the 2010 4th was created, it gave the Republican presidential nominee his highest margin in the state.
As of the 2020 Census redistricting, this district essentially became the 9th district, while the 4th district was reconfigured to cover most of the old 9th district. It was restricted to Maricopa County, and covered most of Tempe and portions of Phoenix, Mesa and Chandler. Due to its shares of Tempe and Phoenix, it was marginally Democratic.