Decision 2026: KTVZ News to Host Debate with Candidates for Deschutes County Sheriff on Wednesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- KTVZ News will launch the station's debate series, The Central Oregon Debates, this week with a LIVE debate featuring the candidates for Deschutes County Sheriff.

Candidates Ty Rupert and James McLaughlin are scheduled to appear LIVE on Wednesday at 6:00 pm.

Due to network programming conflicts with NBC’s Major League Baseball broadcast, the event will air on KTVZ's FOX affiliate. The debate will also be accessible via live stream across all KTVZ News digital platforms, including KTVZ+.

The forum will be moderated by Lee Anderson. The broadcast panel will feature Spencer Sacks, KTVZ’s political reporter, and Aaron Switzer, founder and publisher of The Source Weekly.

This event offers the candidates an opportunity to address critical issues facing the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and outline their strategic priorities for voters ahead of the upcoming election.

Viewers can tune in to the Deschutes County Sheriff debate this Wednesday at 6:00 pm on FOX or stream the event live via KTVZ.com, the KTVZ News App and KTVZ+.