Auringer Agrees to Multiple Debates, Invites Mid-Hudson Valley DSA to Host Another

KINGSTON, N.Y. — August 3, 2026 — Republican congressional candidate Jackie Auringer today announced she has accepted invitations to participate in candidate forums hosted by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, and an online debate hosted by The Daily Freeman, while extending an open invitation to the Mid-Hudson Valley Democratic Socialists of America to host an additional public debate.

"Voters deserve as many opportunities as possible to hear directly from the candidates before Election Day," Auringer said. "I believe candidates should answer tough questions from audiences they have differences with — not just friendly ones."

Auringer said that principle extends beyond traditional civic organizations.

"If the Mid-Hudson Valley DSA wants to host a public debate and Pat Ryan is willing to participate, I'll be there."

Auringer drew a direct line under what she says is actually at stake.

"Let's have an honest conversation about what Pat Ryan and the Democratic Socialist movement is actually selling: higher taxes, defunding the police, green energy policies that crush ratepayers and a worldview that treats private property as something to apologize for," Auringer said. "Those are debates worth having — in public, on the record."

Auringer said the instinct to duck disagreement is exactly the problem in modern politics. "Too many candidates only seek out friendly rooms," she said. "Voters deserve to watch candidates defend their ideas in front of people who might push back — that's the job."

Auringer again called on Congressman Pat Ryan to participate in all scheduled forums and any additional debates that may be organized before Election Day.

"Whether the audience is a Chamber of Commerce, a newspaper, or the DSA, I'll show up," Auringer said. "I hope Congressman Ryan will do the same."