The University of Mary Washington will host a public political debate between challengers for Virginia's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. Independent candidate Alaha Ahrar, Libertarian candidate Taner Lopez and Republican candidate Doug Ollivant will meet in George Washington Hall's Dodd Auditorium.

The debate will be moderated by UMW Professor of Political Science Rosalyn Cooperman. It is hosted by Mary Washington's Student Government Association, and co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, the League of Women Voters of the Fredericksburg Area and The Free Lance-Star. The event is free and no tickets are required. Viewing also is available via Zoom.

WFVA Radio News Director Ted Schubel and a representative from The Free Lance-Star will ask questions of the candidates. Audience members will be able to submit questions for consideration before the start of the event, and Cooperman will pose a sampling of them to the candidates. Read more about the public debate to be held at UMW.