ORLANDO, Fla. — The candidates vying for Florida’s 7th Congressional District – and the opportunity to represent much of Orlando in Washington – went one-on-one in a live debate hosted by WFTV Channel 9.
Democratic incumbent Stephanie Murphy will face Republican challenger Mike Miller, the representative for House District 47, in the November midterm election.
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The debate was moderated by WFTV anchor Greg Warmoth.
Florida’s 7th Congressional District includes much of eastern Orlando as well as Winter Park, Casselberry, Longwood, Winter Springs, Sanford, UCF, and Wekiva.
Interactive map of Florida's 7th Congressional District:
In their first and only in-studio debate, the two candidates showed two very different views on health care, tax breaks and the controversial selection of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. President Trump called claims of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh a hoax.
“I can’t speak to a hoax. We saw a very dysfunctional process,” Miller said.
“I thought it was brave of her to speak up and speak out,” Murphy said.
If Murphy and other Democrats win in November, they would control the House – and maybe Kavanaugh's future.
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Murphy and Miller also discussed the Affordable Care Act, affordable housing, and tax cuts: Issues on which neither candidate differed from their respective parties.
The two also debated the prospect of Democrats regaining control of the House and the possibility of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.) once again becoming Speaker of the House.
“This is an opportunity for the people of Central Florida to hear directly from Representatives Murphy and Miller on where they stand on key issues facing our region and country,” said Paul Curran, market vice president of Cox Media Group Orlando.
The one-hour debate will be rebroadcast Sunday at noon on a special edition of Central Florida Spotlight with Greg Warmoth.
Truth Tests & Election analysis from WFTV
Cox Media Group
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