Cliff Bentz declines debates with challenger Chris Beck

Republican incumbent U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz has declined four invitations to participate in formal debates with his challenger, Chris Beck, ahead of the November 3 general election. The debate invitations were extended by Jefferson Public Radio, the League of Women Voters, KTVZ-TV, and KNDU-TV. While Beck has accepted all four invitations, Bentz refused, stating that engaging in debates would provide “desperately needed publicity” for an “unknown candidate” and that participating would suggest Beck is a credible challenger.

Beck, a former member of the Oregon Legislative Assembly and former employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is running on both the Democratic and Independent party tickets. His platform focuses on healthcare and affordability. Beck criticized Bentz’s refusal to debate, suggesting it demonstrates a lack of engagement with the voters of Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District.

Bentz has represented the district since 2021. The district covers a vast area including nearly all of Oregon east of the Cascades, as well as Jackson and Josephine counties. The region is considered solidly Republican.