ALLENTOWN, PA  — Campaigns for Democratic candidate Ce-Ce Gerlach and Republican candidate Bob Smith Jr., both running for House District 22, have come together in a bipartisan effort to call on local media and nonpartisan organizations to host a debate ahead of the May primary.

Both candidates are urging civic organizations, media outlets, and community groups to step forward as potential debate hosts. The campaigns have expressed willingness to work collaboratively with any qualified sponsor to agree on a format, date, location, and ground rules that prioritize transparency and voter access.

“The people of District 22 work hard, pay their taxes, and expect their elected officials to be accountable,” said Gerlach. “I am proud to join in this call for a debate. I look forward to making the case for my vision directly to the voters and hearing from my opponent in a fair and open forum.”

Smith echoed the sentiment, saying,  “The purpose is to ensure voters can make an educated, informed choice about who represents them in Harrisburg. With 6.9% voter turnout in the February 2026 special election, our district urgently needs direct engagement from both candidates.”

The race carries added significance given the narrow partisan balance of the state House, as well as lingering controversy surrounding a closed-door process used to select a Democratic candidate for the  aforementioned special election held just months ago.

Multiple invitations to join in signing the letter were extended directly to Rep. Ana Tiburcio and also to her campaign staff; no one responded.

Information provided to TVL by:
Ben Stemrich