The University of Mary Washington will host a public political debate between candidates for Virginia’s 65th District House of Delegates on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. Incumbent Joshua Cole (D) will face off against Sean Steinway (R) in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium.
The debate is being hosted by Mary Washington’s Student Government Association and moderated by UMW Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth, who also serves as director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. It is co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters of the Fredericksburg Area. The event is free and no tickets are required. Viewing also is available via Zoom at go.umw.edu/2025debate.
Del. Joshua Cole (D-Fredericksburg) is running for re-election for the 65th District House of Delegates seat. (File photo)
Farnsworth will join fellow UMW Professor of Political Science Rosalyn Cooperman, who chairs the department, and WFVA Radio News Director Ted Schubel in asking questions of the candidates. Audience members will be able to submit questions for consideration before the start of the event. Virginia’s House of Delegates 65th District includes the city of Fredericksburg and parts of Stafford and Spotsylvania counties.
“It’s so important for UMW to host these types of debates to promote civic engagement,” said UMW SGA President Amira Said. “It gives students a front-row seat to an integral part of the political process.”
