In a move aimed at strengthening civic participation, KTVZ News announced a schedule of live debates and town‑hall meetings covering the 2026 midterm elections. The events, produced locally and streamed on KTVZ’s digital platforms, will give voters in Bend, Redmond and across Deschutes County direct access to candidates for local, state and federal offices.
What’s on the calendar
The lineup begins on September 24 at 6 p.m. with a mayoral debate in Bend, followed by a sheriff’s race town hall on September 30. Redmond’s mayoral contest will be heard on October 1, and the U.S. Senate race will be featured on October 6. An Oregon gubernatorial debate, produced by KTVZ‑TV, is slated for October 13, with the 5th and 2nd Congressional District contests on October 14 and October 21 respectively.
Candidate participation
KTVZ has invited every candidate who is certified and qualified for the ballot. Where only one candidate accepts, the station will hold a single‑candidate town hall instead of a debate. Confirmed participants include Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, Deschutes County Sheriff James McLaughlin, Redmond mayoral hopefuls Charles Webster Baer, Ed Fitch and Jay Patrick, Senate candidate David Brock Smith, Governor‑candidate Christine Drazen, and congressional contenders Patti Adair and Chris Beck. Several candidates have yet to confirm or have declined.
Partnering with the League of Women Voters
To broaden outreach, KTVZ is partnering with the League of Women Voters of Deschutes County. The League will host its own candidate forums beginning September 30 and continuing through October. Voters can submit questions for both the KTVZ debates and the League forums – at least 72 hours in advance for the latter – via KTVZ’s online form or the League’s email address.
How residents can get involved
All events will be streamed live on KTVZ’s website and mobile app, ensuring that even those who cannot attend in person can watch and submit questions. The station encourages Central Oregon residents to participate by sending in questions that reflect community concerns, from public‑safety priorities to economic development and family values.
Why it matters
By providing a neutral platform for candidates to present their positions, KTVZ helps voters make informed choices at the ballot box. The initiative aligns with the community’s desire for transparent, faith‑centered dialogue and reinforces the importance of parental involvement in the political process.
For more details on the schedule, candidate confirmations and how to submit questions, visit KTVZ.com or download the KTVZ News app.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
