Colorado candidates to hold series of debates in Grand Junction

More than 25 candidates running for various state and federal offices in Colorado are scheduled to participate in a series of debates on Sept. 19 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. Hosted by the nonprofit advocacy organization Club 20, the event aims to provide a platform for candidates to discuss community issues ahead of the November general election.

The debates will cover several races, including the state house, senate, U.S. Congress, and statewide executive positions. Morning sessions will focus on House District debates, such as District 13, where Democratic candidate Consuelo Redhorse will face Republican Miguel Martinez. In District 57, incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Velasco is set to debate Republican challenger Russ Andrews.

Some candidates will be absent from the event; for instance, Democratic incumbent Meghan Lukens, running for her third term in the Colorado House for District 26, stated she cannot attend due to a longstanding family commitment. The afternoon sessions will feature debates for Senate District 8, attorney general, and secretary of state.