CHICO, CA — Today, Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) called out State Senator Mike McGuire for backing out of next week’s candidate forum in Quincy hosted by the Plumas County League of Women Voters.

In August, the League invited Gallagher and McGuire to participate in the Plumas County forum. After both candidates accepted the invitation, the League rented a venue and began promoting the forum.

However, yesterday, the Gallagher campaign was notified by forum organizers that McGuire had abruptly dropped out. 

“The voters of Plumas County and throughout the First District deserve transparency and a chance to hear directly from the candidates,” said Gallagher campaign manager Rachel Lederer. “But after his poor performance in Ukiah, it’s clear that McGuire is scared to talk about his failed career serving as Gavin Newsom’s puppet in Sacramento.”

The Gallagher campaign will move forward with hosting an event in Plumas County next week.

In an interview with Action News Now following the candidate forum back in May, McGuire himself said that more debates were needed because they are ‘really powerful for democracy’. Click here to watch the interview clip.

McGuire has now declined, cancelled, or backed out of forum invitations from:

The Butte County League of Women Voters

The Plumas County League of Women Voters

KCRA Channel 3

Action News Now

The Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce

Gallagher remains committed to participating in debates held to neutral, fair standards that allow a real back-and-forth on ideas. He believes it is important for candidates to challenge one another on the issues and put their records in front of voters. 

Gallagher challenged McGuire to five debates across California’s newly redrawn 1st Congressional District. Only one forum has occurred since the primary.

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