Democratic candidates for Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District face off for the first time

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Tuesday, the Democratic primary candidates went head-to-head for the first time, vying to challenge Republican Congresswoman Jackie Walorski in the fall.

It’s the first of two debates hosted by the League of Women’s Voters, IUSB’s Political Science Club and the American Democracy Project.

“We have a lot more visibility over what’s happening in our country and what’s happening in Congress so there are more people that want to go out and make a difference and make a change,” said voter Allyson Smith. “So we’re going to see a lot more people showing up to the polls.”

Interest is picking up in a midterm race to watch.

Quite a few of the hundreds who scouted the next party nominee Tuesday say they came because they’re looking for a change.

“With the current political climate that we have now, I think Jackie Walorski is going to be unseated this time around,” said voter Desmond Atem.

That’s good news to the three Democrats in this race looking to beat the three-term incumbent come November.

And they’re hoping to do so by capitalizing on these growing crowds.

These candidates will face off for a second time in a debate hosted by ABC 57 and the organizers of Tuesday’s event.