Democratic Senate Candidate Challenges Opponent To Four Public Debates

NEWTOWN, CT — Democratic state Senate candidate Rob Blanchard is calling on Republican opponent AmyBeth Laroche to participate in a series of public debates this summer, including events in Bethel, Easton, Fairfield and Newtown.

Blanchard announced Thursday that he is proposing four debates across the 28th Senate District, with one event in each district town.

"This is one of the most important elections this district has seen in a long time, and the people who live here deserve to hear directly from the people asking for their vote," Blanchard said in a statement.

The 28th Senate District seat is open following the retirement of longtime state Sen. Tony Hwang.

According to Blanchard's campaign, the district has not hosted a public debate since 2022.

The campaign said it has contacted Laroche's team and hopes to work with community organizations, including the League of Women Voters, to organize the events.