Southern Arizona Congressional Showdown: Candidates Face Off in Televised Debate Tuesday

As early voting approaches in Arizona, U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani will face off against Democratic challenger Kirsten Engel in a debate set for Tuesday night. This hour-long event, organized by Clean Elections and the Arizona Media Association, will broadcast at 7 p.m. on PBS 6, KUAT-TV, and NPR 891, KUAZ-FM. Viewers can also stream the debate through multiple news platforms, including TucsonSentinel.com.

Ciscomani narrowly defeated Engel in the 2022 elections for Congressional District 6, winning by just 5,232 votes. Pima County, which contains 74 percent of the district’s voters, plays a crucial role in the election’s dynamics. Voter registration shows a slight Republican edge, with 36 percent identifying as GOP, 31 percent as Democrats, and 33 percent unaffiliated with major parties.

In earlier debates, Engel criticized Ciscomani for his stance on abortion and ties to a conservative group advocating for “Biblical values.” Ciscomani, meanwhile, claims to be one of the most bipartisan lawmakers and emphasizes his accomplishments in bringing federal funds to the district.

The incumbent has received endorsements from various business and law enforcement organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Tucson Police Officers Association. His support extends to several local GOP officials and county supervisors.

In contrast, Engel has garnered support from notable figures like Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly. Kelly praised Engel’s commitment to prioritizing Arizonans and her focus on economic growth, particularly in job creation. Engel has also demonstrated her dedication to abortion rights and environmental issues, securing endorsements from Planned Parenthood and the Sierra Club, among others.

Further complicating the political landscape, Engel’s backing includes a range of labor unions and LGBTQ advocacy groups, solidifying her progressive platform. The electoral battle intensifies with another significant debate on Wednesday, October 9, between Republican Kari Lake and Democrat Ruben Gallego, two candidates in a closely watched Senate race. That debate will also be broadcast on PBS 6, KUAT-TV, and NPR 89.1, KUAZ-FM, and available for streaming on TucsonSentinel.com.