Democratic Candidate Bob Harvie’s campaign challenged incumbent Republican Brian Fitzpatrick on Tuesday to four debates, proposed to take place in four pockets of Pennsylvania’s first congressional district.
Requests for comment from Fitzpatrick’s office were not returned.
While specific locations for the proposed debates have not been set, according to a Harvie campaign press release each venue would be located in lower, central and upper Bucks County; along with a site in western Montgomery County. These areas make up the entirety of the district. Harvie currently serves as a Bucks County Commissioner.
Fitzpatrick has not held an in-person town hall since 2017, while Harvie has sought out constituents, making himself available by hosting five town halls so far during his campaign, his campaign office said.
“Brian Fitzpatrick hasn’t held a town hall in over nine years. Voters have a right to know where we both stand on the issues. I believe town hall style debates give voters a strong voice in holding us accountable before they vote,” Harvie said in an email.
During the 2024 election cycle, Fitzpatrick refused to debate Democratic Candidate Ashley Ehasz, which led Ehasz to participate in a nonpartisan town hall-style election event at Bucks County Community College.
In March last year, PA-01 residents held their own town hall – in Fitzpatrick’s absence – and spoke about the “harm and chaos [the] Trump Administration’s first two months is causing locally throughout Bucks County.”
Harvie is calling for the in-person debates to give voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates and “ask the questions that matter most.”
Harvie’s debate challenge comes on the heels of public polling and reporting, which shows Pennsylvania’s first congressional district as one of the most competitive races in the entire country.
The Washington Post reported “inside four” Pennsylvania district races, which included PA-01, that could determine who controls the House after the midterms votes are tallied.
In March, The Philadelphia Inquirer profiled Harvie and said he was “Democrats best chance of defeating Brian Fitzpatrick and helping win back the House.”
Harvie’s campaign stated that it “is willing to work with Fitzpatrick’s team on dates, locations, moderators, and event logistics to ensure the forums are accessible and open to residents throughout the district.”
