SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) invites the public to engage with the candidates competing for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District seat in an upcoming political forum. Republican candidate Paul Junge and Democratic State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet will discuss key issues at this event, set for Tuesday, October 22, in the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts within SVSU’s Curtiss Hall.
Moderated by Chad Livengood, politics editor at The Detroit News, and Zoe Clark, political director at Michigan Public Radio, the forum offers a unique chance to hear directly from the candidates. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with introductory remarks beginning at 6:55 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets are required and will be available prior to the event and at the door. Note that a no-bag policy will be in effect for security reasons. C-SPAN will broadcast the forum for those unable to attend in person.
“This forum is critical to helping citizens make an informed decision about who represents them in Washington,” said Kevin G. Lorentz II, assistant professor of political science at SVSU. He highlighted the importance of this event, as the 8th Congressional District remains highly competitive, with both major parties targeting the seat.
The forum, organized by the SVSU College Republicans, College Democrats, and Pi Sigma Alpha, is a Q&A session, not a debate. Following brief opening statements, moderators will present questions sourced from both student groups and audience submissions. Each candidate will have one minute and 30 seconds to respond, followed by a 30-second rebuttal from the opposing candidate. Closing statements will round off the session.
SVSU students Noah Johnson and Dahlia Terry, representing the College Democrats and College Republicans respectively, will make remarks alongside Lorentz. Following the event, media representatives are invited to the spin room to speak with the candidates and their representatives.
The Great Lakes Bay Region forum is sponsored by SVSU, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, and various regional political and civic organizations. Media outlets are encouraged to broadcast this essential pre-election event.
