RUMSON, NJ — It's the face-off we've all been waiting for! Republican Congressman Chris Smith has agreed to debate Democratic rival Josh Welle next Wednesday, Oct. 17.

The debate is being held by News 12 New Jersey and will take place in the News 12 studio. It's not really a debate, News 12 clarified, but more of a conversation or forum with the two candidates. It will not be airing live: The debate is being taped Wednesday at noon, but won't be seen on the air until Friday, Oct. 19 at 9 p.m., and then re-broadcast Saturday, Oct. 20 and Sunday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Patch will send out a reminder emails so you can tune in and watch. All summer long, Welle, the Democrat running to represent New Jersey's 4th congressional district, has challenged his Republican incumbent to as many as six debates throughout the campaign. Until today, Smith has ignored all of those requests.

Both the Smith and Welle campaigns confirmed the debate will take place next Wednesday. The 4th district is considered a solidly Republican district, but it's significant that Welle has broken fundraising records in that district, raising more than $1.3 million for his campaign to date. Smith has been the area's congressman for a 38 years. Welle is a Democrat who served in the U.S. Navy and did a tour in Afghanistan; he is pro-choice on the topic of abortion and has been extremely critical of Trump's immigration policies. Smith is a moderate Republican, but he is pro-life and he has also expressed discomfort at gay marriage and adoption of children by gay couples.



Ongoing Patch reporting on the 4th District Congressional race: