22News hosting primary debates

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - 22News is working for you, helping you to make informed decisions ahead of the state primary on September 6. We are hosting a series of debates between the candidates in contested races for state legislature and Congress representing our area.

All of the debates will be aired live on 22News on the air, and streamed live on WWLP.com and on your mobile device. Here is the debate schedule:

Monday, August 27, 12:30-1:00 P.M.: 9 ^th Hampden District Democratic Debate- Incumbent State Rep. Sean Curran of Springfield is being challenged by Joseph Fountain for the Democratic nomination to represent this district, which includes sections of Springfield and a single precinct in Chicopee. VIDEO

Tuesday, August 28, 12:30-1:00 P.M.: 2 ^nd Franklin District Democratic Debate- Incumbent State Rep. Denise Andrews of Orange faces three Democratic challengers in her bid for a second term in the Legislature. Rebecca Bialecki, Genevive Frasier, and Jim White are also vying for the Democratic nomination to represent the district, which includes most of eastern Franklin County plus a single precinct in Belchertown, and Athol, Royalston, Philipston, Templeton, and Petersham in Worcester County. VIDEO

Wednesday, August 29, 12:30-1:00 P.M.: 2 ^nd Hampden District Republican Debate- Longmeadow Select Board member Marie Angelides and former East Longmeadow Selectman Jack Villamaino are running against each other for the GOP nomination to run against incumbent State Rep. Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow). The district includes most of East Longmeadow, and all of Longmeadow, Hampden, and Monson. VIDEO

Friday, August 31, 12:30-1:00 P.M.: 1st Massachusetts House District Debate- Incumbent Congressman Richard Neal is being challenged for re-election to a re-drawn Congressional district by two fellow Democrats: Former State Senator Andrea Nuciforo of Pittsfield and Bill Shein of Alford. Shein has agreed to a candidate's forum with 22News on Friday, August 31. Congressman Neal has declined our invitation to debate, and we have yet to receive a formal acceptance or rejection from Nuciforo. The re-drawn 1st District includes all of Berkshire County, western portions of Hampshire and Franklin counties, all of Hampden County, and southwestern portions of Worcester County. VIDEO

Sunday, September 2, Noon-12:30 P.M.: 2 ^nd Massachusetts House District Debate- Congressman James McGovern of Worcester is being challenged for the Democratic nomination for a re-drawn 2 ^nd Congressional District by William Feegbeh of Worcester. The new district incorporates much of Worcester County, plus eastern portions of Franklin and Hampshire Counties. VIDEO