Jones welcomed Thompson’s agreement to participate in a debate but said the campaign should include more opportunities for direct exchanges across the district’s nine counties. “Our establishment incumbent opponent says he will agree to our debate challenge,” Jones said in a statement. Jones argued that limiting the campaign to two events would not adequately serve voters in the newly configured district. Especially when this district is brand new & nearly half of voters have never been represented by either candidate,” Jones said. The campaign also said Thompson participated in 11 debates and candidate forums with Jones before the June primary election.