October 13, 2022 – On Tuesday, October 18, Marist College will host Spectrum News 1’s New York Congressional District 18 debate with Republican candidate Colin Schmitt and Democratic candidate Pat Ryan. The debate, moderated by Spectrum News 1 “Capital Tonight” host Susan Arbetter, will take place inside the Cabaret at the Murray Student Center, and air on Spectrum News 1, the Spectrum News website and the Spectrum News App.

“We are excited and honored to host this debate in an important race that could prove critical to the legislative balance of power,” said Marist College President Kevin Weinman. “At Marist, we prepare our students for lives of active citizenship and engagement and are looking forward to the conversations and discussions that this debate will stimulate among our campus community. There is no more empowering practice for us as Americans than exercising our right to vote, and I urge everyone in the Marist community to become informed about the issues and to cast their ballots in November in races at all levels,” said Weinman.

About the candidates

Ryan won a special election in the 19th Congressional District in August and is one of the newest members of the U.S House of Representatives. You can read more about Ryan’s campaign on his website.

Schmitt currently serves as a member of the New York State Assembly from the 99th district, which covers parts of Orange and Rockland Counties. You can read more about Schmitt’s campaign on his website.

About the 18th Congressional District

While currently represented by Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, New York’s 18 Congressional District has been newly-redrawn in time for this election year. Rep. Maloney is now running for election in New York’s new 17th Congressional District.

MaristVOTES led a nonpartisan voter registration event on the Campus Green. Photo by Matthew Moraski/Marist College

MaristVOTES

MaristVOTES, a student led, nonpartisan effort that is supported by Marist’s Center for Civic Engagement and Leadership, held a voter registration event last week on campus. Attended by student volunteers and members of the College’s Republican and Democrat Clubs, students were able to find resources to register and answer questions about their status.