Facebook live candidate debate
Join us today on Facebook live for debates with the candidates for the seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Trent Franks. Details,
Two Democrats trying to bring new competitiveness to West Valley congressional politics will debate on Facebook tonight.
The debate at The Arizona Republic comes a week before early voting begins in the special primary election to fill the seat formerly held by Trent Franks, a Republican who quit last month after facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
The hourlong event will start at 7 p.m. and feature Hiral Tipirneni, a physician, and Brianna Westbrook, a political activist.
On Wednesday, The Republic hosted a debate for five of the Republican candidates —former state Sen. Debbie Lesko, former state Rep. Phil Lovas, former state Sen. Steve Montenegro, former Arizona Corporation Commissioner Bob Stump and talk-show host Clair Van Steenwyk.
Franks’ abrupt departure has created the first competitive election in that district since he first won the seat in 2002.
Republicans hold a 17 percentagepoint advantage among registered voters, but Democrats are contesting the special election and see it as an opportunity to show broader enthusiasm ahead of the congressional midterms this fall.
The district reaches from New River to the Sun Cities and includes Glendale, Peoria and Luke Air Force Base.
Early voting begins Wednesday and voting at the polls is scheduled for Feb. 27. Winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries will face off in an April 24 special election.
View tonight’s Democratic debate at facebook.com/azcentral.com.