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U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh's Democratic challengers will debate June 15, less than two weeks before early voting begins.
A previous forum between the two candidates often turned acrimonious, as Raymond Keeler and Bernadette Greene Placentia sparred over who is more supportive of labor unions and the Democratic Party.
Both Democrats face long odds in Arizona's 8th Congressional District, the West Valley Republican stronghold Hamadeh represents. In 2024, the Democratic nominee lost by more than 10 points.
Greene Placentia has billed herself as a working-class answer to President Donald Trump's style of "America First" populism. It's her second time running for the congressional seat: She expressed interest in the race in 2024 but didn't qualify for the ballot.
Keeler has described himself as a pragmatist and "problem-solver" who is ideologically moderate.
Greene Placentia appears to have an advantage in the race. As of late March, she had about $180,000 on hand to support her campaign, compared with Keeler's $14,000.
The debate is hosted by Arizona's Citizens Clean Elections Commission. It will air at 6 p.m.
It will be livestreamed on www.azcentral.com.
The primary election is July 21.
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