SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Debate Commission on Thursday announced this year's slate of four congressional debates ahead of the fall general election.
The debates will take place over the course of several weeks, starting in late September, and will be hosted by several colleges and universities across the state. Details about the format and participants will be announced at a later date, the commission said in a press release.
Past debates have been open to candidates who meet a certain threshold of support in polls conducted in the run-up to the election, meaning Democratic and Republican candidates often qualify, while third-party candidates and independents sometimes do.
The 1st Congressional District will kick off the fall debate season on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Salt Lake Community College. The district is the new Democratic-leaning seat based in northern Salt Lake County.
Former Rep. Ben McAdams emerged from the Democratic primary and will face Republican Riley Owen and Libertarian Jesse West and unaffiliated candidate Elias Henry Montgomery in the general election.
Candidates for Utah's 3rd Congressional District will debate next on Friday, Oct. 2, at Utah Tech University. Rep. Celeste Maloy secured the Republican nomination and is running against Democrat Kent Udell, Libertarian Michael Stoddard and Cassie Easley of the Constitution Party. Two unaffiliated candidates are also running: Adonis Hooslyn and Ayden Scott.
The 4th Congressional District debate will be the next week on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Snow College. Rep. Mike Kennedy, a Republican, is seeking his second term in office and is running against Democrat Jonny Larsen, Libertarian Taylor Wright and Steven Burt, who is unaffiliated.
The last debate will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Utah State University for candidates seeking Utah's 2nd Congressional District seat. Those include Rep. Blake Moore, a Republican, Democrat Peter Crosby, Libertarian Daniel Cottam and Carlton Bowen of the Independent American Party.
All debates will be streamed online at KSL.com and air on KSL Channel 5.
Election Day is Nov. 3.
