Skipping debates: Why some Long Island congressional candidates are staying off the stage
Political observers say many candidates see more risk than reward in debating, leaving voters with fewer chances to hear them answer questions face to face.
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Political debates have been part of America's political fabric since the nation's founding. From the exchanges in President George Washington’s Cabinet between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson to the famed Lincoln-Douglas debates and the televised Presidential debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, political analysts and historians say the open exchange of ideas between political rivals is a vital part of the democratic process.
"We do have the right to hear from our candidates and have them defend their positions," said political analyst Christopher Malone.
Erica Smitka, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of New York State, compared debates and candidate forums to a job interview.
"You’re applying for a position to represent a group of people in your community," Smitka said.
This year, however, many candidates in key Long Island congressional races are choosing not to participate in debates.
News 12 invited the major-party congressional candidates in all four U.S. House races in Nassau and Suffolk counties to debate. Only one debate will take place.
Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen, the incumbent in the 4th Congressional District, and Democratic challenger Chris Gallant in the 1st Congressional District both declined News 12's invitations. Republican Rep. Andrew Garbarino's campaign did not respond to invitations to debate.
"Not only is it a trend that we're seeing across the state in New York, but we're also seeing it across the country," Smitka said.
Smitka said candidates are routinely skipping debates and forums. Malone said the decision often comes down to political calculus. In the social media age, candidates can communicate directly with voters without facing tough questions from moderators or opponents. And if a candidate believes they already hold a comfortable lead, debating may be viewed as an unnecessary risk.
"In many cases, it's a rational decision. That a debate will not help them more than it would hurt them. And so they decide to opt out," Malone said.
Still, both Malone and Smitka said voters and the media should hold candidates accountable when they decline opportunities to debate.
"You can't force individuals to debate. If they decline, they decline. But you can make it costly," Malone said.
Smitka encouraged voters to ask candidates why they chose not to participate.
"If you have someone running for office in your area and they have declined a debate, it is your right and you should go to that candidate and ask them why," she said.
News 12 offered multiple debate dates and times to all candidates.
Rep. Nick LaLota and congressional candidates Pat Halpin and Jeanine Driscoll agreed to participate. Because their opponents declined to debate, they have instead been offered interview segments on News 12's Power & Politics program.
The only Long Island congressional debate on News 12 this election season will feature Rep. Tom Suozzi and challenger Mike LiPetri in the race for New York's 3rd Congressional District. It is a rematch of the 2024 election – a year in which both candidates also agreed to debate on News 12.
Click here to submit questions for the Congressional District 3 Debate between Suozzi and LiPetri.
