Updated – Monday, 11:45 a.m. – This post has been updated to indicate the debate will be free of charge and open to the public.
The Democratic candidates for Montgomery County executive will face off in the first debate of the campaign Nov. 15 at The National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase.
Hosted by The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce and Bethesda Beat, the debate will focus on economic, development and transportation issues. The three announced Democratic candidates—County Council members Roger Berliner, Marc Elrich and George Leventhal—will participate.
The primary is June 26, 2018.
“This debate is an excellent vehicle for our members, and the public at large, to hear firsthand the viewpoints and priorities of the Democratic county executive candidates,” said Ginanne Italiano, president & CEO of The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce.
“The candidates have differing views on what the county should be and how we should get there,” said Steve Hull, editor and publisher of Bethesda Magazine and Bethesda Beat, who will moderate the debate with Andrew Metcalf, who covers county government and politics for Bethesda Beat. “It’s important that those differences be fleshed out and understood.”
The debate from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. will be free. A cocktail reception to be held afterward will require the purchase of tickets.
Robin Ficker is the only Republican who has filed to run for county executive. If additional candidates file to run, the chamber will hold a debate featuring Republican candidates before the primary, officials said.