Engel & Ciscomani Clash in Highly Anticipated Televised Debate This Thursday

U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani will face off against Democratic challenger Kirsten Engel in a televised debate this Thursday evening. The two candidates are vying for Arizona’s Congressional District 6, a region that leans Republican. In the previous election cycle, Ciscomani narrowly defeated Engel by less than 2 percent, highlighting the competitive nature of this race.

Engel, a former state lawmaker, has been vocal in her criticism of Ciscomani’s stance on issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights. She points to his connections with a conservative organization known for promoting “Biblical values” as a particular concern. Conversely, Ciscomani touts his bipartisan rankings and efforts to distribute federal funds within the district, which encompasses areas in Pima, Pinal, Coc­hise, Graham, and Greenlee counties.

Critics of Engel argue she appears disconnected from the district’s needs, while Ciscomani has positioned himself as a champion for local interests. The half-hour debate will be broadcasted live at 5 p.m. on Arizona PBS and streamed online. A follow-up debate is scheduled for October 7, which will be organized by the Clean Elections and Arizona Media Association, with coverage across various media outlets.

This week also features numerous candidate forums. Notably, on Thursday, August 29, candidates for the Tucson Unified School District Board will gather to discuss their platforms from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the YWCA Southern Arizona.

On Saturday, August 31, Pima County Board of Supervisors candidates in Districts 1 and 3 will participate in a forum at Pima Community College, providing a venue for critical discussions ahead of the upcoming election.

As the campaign progresses, multiple forums are planned for the upcoming weeks. These include debates for the Pima County Sheriff’s race and several key legislative contests scheduled for early September and beyond.

Voter engagement remains high as the election approaches. Significant dates include October 7, the last day to register for the general election, and multiple opportunities for early voting leading up to Election Day on November 5. Key debates, such as the highly anticipated face-off between Republican Kari Lake and Democrat Ruben Gallego, will further shape the political landscape in Arizona.