Decision 2026: KTVZ News to Host Oregon’s 5th Congressional District Debate on October 14

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- KTVZ News will host a LIVE debate featuring the Democrat and Republican candidates for Oregon's 5th Congressional District on Wednesday, October 14, at 6:00 p.m. The one-hour debate will air LIVE on KTVZ-TV and stream LIVE across KTVZ News' digital platforms as part of the station's Decision 2026 election coverage.

Participating in the debate will be Rep. Janelle Bynum, the Democratic candidate, and Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair, the Republican candidate. The candidates will discuss the issues facing voters in Oregon's 5th Congressional District and answer questions during the hour-long event.

The debate will be moderated by veteran KTVZ anchor Lee Anderson. Joining the panel will be KTVZ political reporter Spencer Sacks and another member of the local media, who will question the candidates on topics important to Central Oregon and the district as a whole.

"Providing voters with the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, side by side, is one of the most important responsibilities of local journalism," said KTVZ News Director Gregory Deffenbaugh. "An informative, fair and substantive debate gives our community the information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box and strengthens the democratic process."

The October 14 debate is one of several election forums KTVZ News will present throughout the fall. Viewers can expect additional debates featuring candidates in local, state and federal races as part of KTVZ's comprehensive Decision 2026 coverage.