Auringer Officially Invites Mid-Hudson Valley DSA to Host Congressional Debate

KINGSTON, N.Y. — August 10, 2026 — Jackie Auringer, Republican candidate for Congress in New York's 18th Congressional District, today announced that she has formally invited the Mid-Hudson Valley Democratic Socialists of America to host a public candidate debate between Auringer and Congressman Pat Ryan.

In an email sent to the organization's leadership, Auringer said voters should have opportunities to hear candidates discuss their differences directly and answer questions before audiences representing a range of political viewpoints.

"I believe candidates should be willing to answer tough questions and defend their positions before audiences that may not agree with them," Auringer said. "That is why I have asked the Mid-Hudson Valley DSA to host a public debate between Congressman Ryan and me."

Auringer has already accepted invitations to participate in candidate forums or debates organized by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and The Daily Freeman.

The invitation to the Mid-Hudson Valley DSA proposes a public discussion addressing areas where Auringer, Ryan and democratic-socialist organizations may have significant policy differences, including taxes, policing and public safety, energy policy and private-property rights.

"If the Mid-Hudson Valley DSA is willing to host and moderate a forum, I will participate," Auringer said. "Whether the audience is a Chamber of Commerce, a newspaper or an organization whose members strongly disagree with me, voters deserve the opportunity to hear the candidates make their case and answer questions."

Auringer's campaign has asked the Mid-Hudson Valley DSA to respond with potential dates, format options and logistical details.

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Subject: Public Debate Invitation: Let's give voters an honest conversation

To: electoral@mhvdsa.org, organize@mhvdsa.org Cc: Pat Ryan Campaign

Dear Mid-Hudson Valley DSA Leadership and Steering Committee,

Voters in our district deserve every opportunity to hear directly from the candidates before Election Day. I believe that public servants should answer tough questions from audiences they have deep differences with — not just friendly ones. Too many candidates seek out comfortable rooms, but the job of a representative is to defend their ideas in front of people who will push back.

With that principle in mind, I want to formally invite the Mid-Hudson Valley DSA to host a public candidate debate between myself and Congressman Pat Ryan.

The DSA has emerged as the leading voice of the Democratic Party, yet many voters still don't fully understand who you are and what your movement actually stands for. A public forum hosted by your organization would provide a unique, necessary platform to clear up that confusion and have a truly honest conversation about the future of our community.

My campaign has already accepted debate and forum invitations from the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, and The Daily Freeman. However, I want to bring our competing visions directly to your ground. Let's have a candid, public debate about what Congressman Ryan and the Democratic Socialist movement are pitching to voters: higher taxes, defunding the police, green energy policies that crush ratepayers, and a worldview that treats private property as something to apologize for.

These are debates worth having in public. If your chapter is willing to host and moderate a forum, and if Congressman Ryan has the courage to participate, I will absolutely be there.

Whether the audience is a Chamber of Commerce, a local newspaper, or the DSA, I am ready to show up and defend my ideas. I hope Congressman Ryan will do the same.

I look forward to hearing from your leadership team regarding dates, logistics, and format options that fit your upcoming calendar.

Sincerely, Jackie Auringer Republican Candidate for Congress