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Dr. Joe Arminio, Republican candidate for Delaware's at-large congressional seat, today issued a challenge to his opponent to a public debate modeled on the Lincoln–Douglas debates of 1858.

"The Congressional Representative and I are asking Delawareans to entrust us with the same responsibility: representing them in Congress," Arminio said. "They deserve an opportunity to hear us explain our positions in depth, respond to each other's arguments, and defend our proposals before the people we seek to serve."

Arminio proposes something similar to the historical Lincoln–Douglas speaking format: there are two rounds on two different days or evenings. In the first round, one candidate opens with a 20-minute address, the other responds for 30 minutes, and the opening speaker concludes with a 10-minute rebuttal. In the second round, the speaking orders are reversed, the allotted times remain the same. Each candidate would open in a round; each speak second in a round; and each would close in a round. In total, each candidate would speak for 60 minutes.

The first debate would take place as soon as October 13 and no later than October 19 and the second debate would take place no later than October 24, at mutually agreed Delaware venues, with a neutral presiding officer responsible for timekeeping and enforcing rules accepted by both candidates. The campaign proposes public attendance, livestreams, and publication of the complete recordings.

"This format gives both candidates the time to develop an argument and answer the other's case," Arminio said. "The purpose is a serious examination of our differences, conducted with mutual respect and equal opportunity to speak."

Arminio proposes discussion of the economy and foreign policy. He would present his American Prosperity Plan, including solutions for both crushing private debts and public debt, and his foreign policy vision – "The Grand Bargain" – and explain the legislative steps he would pursue if elected.

The incumbent would have equal opportunity to explain various records and proposals.

The campaign is open to a variation on the proposed format, including a question period after each round. The candidates could question each other and field questions from a moderator or audience or both. The subjects and final rules would be agreed upon by both campaigns.

"I invite the Representative to join me in arranging this debate," Dr. Arminio said. "Let us put our proposals and records before Delaware's voters and give them the opportunity to judge for themselves."

The Arminio campaign requests a response from the opponent's campaign by end of business October 6 and invites a nonpartisan civic organization, educational institution, or news organization to serve as host.

This request for debate went out this morning to the incumbent's campaign office and various media outlets.

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Dr. Joe Arminio's campaign for the United States House of Representatives expressed disappointment following confirmation from the University of Delaware's Center for Political Communication that it will no longer sponsor its regular debates for Delaware state and federal offices.

For more than a decade, the Center hosted Delaware Debates as a public service to the University community and the people of Delaware. In its response to Dr. Arminio, Center Director Dr. Dannagal Young and Director of Public Engagement Dr. Lindsay Hoffman explained that a change in mission, programming priorities, and budget considerations means that sponsoring regular candidate debates "no longer aligns with our research-focused mission." Their letter may be found below this post.

The Center nevertheless acknowledged "the value of public debates for assessment of candidates," yet, will not hold a debate or forum this year.

"Debate and open public discussion are fundamental to our republic and a free society," Dr. Arminio said. "Delawareans deserve the opportunity to hear candidates defend their ideas, answer difficult questions, and debate the issues directly. Voters should be able to listen, compare, question, and decide for themselves."

The campaign believes that providing that opportunity is particularly important this year. Following the September 18th incident in which Dr. Arminio was prevented from continuing to speak at a public event, the campaign has received an outpouring of support from Delawareans and Americans across the country who want to hear directly from the candidate.

If there will be no traditional University of Delaware congressional debate in 2026, the Arminio campaign will take the debate directly to the people.

Beginning October 8th, Dr. Arminio will hold rallies and public events across Delaware where voters can hear his positions on jobs and the economy, inflation, ending wars, opposing a draft, education, public safety, families, constitutional freedoms, and the future of Delaware.

Dr. Arminio is ready to debate. He is ready to answer questions. And he is ready to speak directly with the people of Delaware!

MEDIA CONTACT – 302.300.9611

I am honored and grateful to be the nominee of the Delaware Republican Party for the office of Delaware's sole seat in the United States House of Representatives. I also thank my primary opponents and everyone who participated in the election. I pledge to continue to work hard on behalf of all Delawareans.

I launched this campaign, above all, for three reasons: first, to offer a practical solution to resolve the crushing private and public debt crises which, in turn, will unleash high economic growth; secondly, to offer a practical solution to put a stop to endless foreign conflicts. The third reason is to help restore the Constitution.

Thus far, I have been a principal participant in one public event, namely, a candidates' forum at the Jewish Community Center of Wilmington on September 18, 2026.

Unfortunately, my participation on the 18th was abruptly cut short. My sole intent was to concentrate on the economy and foreign conflicts. In the time allotted to me, I addressed some of these issues, and noted that the Representative whom I oppose has helped perpetuate our failing economy and endless foreign conflicts, whereas, I believe I have exceptionally good solutions.

As has been widely publicized, my removal from the event followed the accusation of having "misgendered" the incumbent, who attempted to prevent my removal and, in so doing, defended my freedom of speech, which I appreciate.

I myself am a firm supporter of freedom of speech and the Constitution in its entirety. That, of course, extends to one's right to assert the "gender identity" of one's choosing, as well as to assert the facts as one sees them.

Scores of Delawareans have told us they want the campaign to continue to focus on the Constitution, foreign conflicts and those economic issues affecting their daily lives. That is what we are doing. Our campaign is gaining traction by the day. Our issues are resonating with voters. We will continue to advance serious ideas to give representation to all Delaware families.

Please look for additional policy initiatives, including education reform, and campaign events in the coming days.

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