Democrat Ashley Ehasz is set to participate in a PA-01 Congressional Candidates Forum hosted by the New Pennsylvania Project at Bucks County Community College on Tuesday. Incumbent Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick on the other hand – known for not ever hosting public in-person town halls and now this year for not even agreeing to debate his opponent – apparently can’t be bothered with attending.
The nonpartisan forum will be held at BCCC’s Newtown campus moderated by NPP CEO Kadida Kenner. It will cover topics like voting rights and access to the ballot. The forum said it will also focus on the “significant role this congressional seat plays in legislating policy that impacts our local communities.”
The debate between the congressional candidates, traditionally held at Bucks County Community College’s Bristol campus, was canceled in September for unclear reasons. The two candidates debated at the community college in 2022, but now will not face each other this election cycle.
After the debate was canceled, Ehasz issued a challenge to Fitzpatrick to a debate that went unanswered from the Republican. NPP invited both candidates to the forum and Ehasz urged Fitzpatrick to accept.
“I believe that the public should be able to hear directly from their candidates about the issues that matter most to them, particularly when our fundamental freedoms and the safety of our democracy are on the line,” Ehasz said.
Fitzpatrick has yet to accept the invitation, so voters in Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District will hear from one candidate. Ehasz will discuss her stance on voting rights, ballot access issues, and the significance of the congressional seat she is running for.
The forum is open to the public and residents can register HERE.
