The two candidates in the runoff for the north Alabama congressional seat said they have agreed to participate in a debate.
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Madison County Commission Chair Dale Strong and former assistant Secretary of the Army and Huntsville City Schools superintendent Casey Wardynski will face off on June 16 – five days before voters return to the polls for the runoff election on June 21.
The debate will be televised by WHNT-Channel 19.
Strong received 45% of the vote in Tuesday’s six-candidate GOP primary in the race to fill the open seat in the 5th Congressional District held by U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks – who is in a primary runoff for the open U.S. Senate seat against Katie Britt. Wardynski was second, receiving 23% of the vote.
Strong and Wardynski each released statements Wednesday regarding a debate.
“Voters are sick of career politicians who hide behind slick TV ads and refuse to face them where they live and work,” Wardynski’s statement said. “I’m ready and willing to debate Dale Strong anytime, any place. I’ve been traveling the district for over a year, meeting with concerned voters at every turn. Let’s debate the issues. Let’s lay out our vision for the district and where we need to take our country.”
Strong responded with his own statement: “I will participate in a televised debate on June 16 with WHNT-TV. I look forward to talking more about my record and solutions for our country. I hope Dr. Wardynski can join me.”
Wardynski’s campaign confirmed Thursday morning he would be at the debate.
Strong was the first candidate in the race and won the plurality in all five of the counties that make up the north Alabama district. He also has a fundraising advantage over Wardynski with $251,000 in cash on hand as of May 4. Wardynski reported having $81,000 in available cash.
Both candidates have loaned their campaigns money.
Kathy Warner-Stanton won the Democratic nomination for the 5th Congressional seat, receiving 57% of the vote over Charlie Thompson.
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