Pingree, seeking a ninth term, is debating 1st District challengers Russell and Alcorn

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, seeking her ninth term representing Maine’s 1st Congressional District, will face Republican challenger Ronald Russell and independent candidate Ethan Alcorn in a debate Thursday night.

News Center Maine (WCSH), Portland’s NBC affiliate, will broadcast the debate from 7 to 8 p.m

Pingree, 69, highlighted problems with the kitchen table, such as the lack of living space. She recently performed at the opening of the Stroudwater Apartments in Westbrook.

“We must ensure that housing is a priority in Washington. Community by community, this is critically important to our cities and our state,” Pingree said at the event in Westbrook.

Russell, 69, of Kennebunkport, has highlighted inflation as a major problem, recently saying, “We have to fix this economy so we can afford things.”

Alcorn, 60, of Saco, said the $35 trillion federal debt is a huge problem that neither Democrats nor Republicans are addressing.

“The two parties are putting us in debt and we are getting the same results from both sides,” Alcorn said.

Pingree is the clear favorite in a district that typically votes for Democrats.

This story will be updated with coverage of the debate.

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