Cargile Accepts Stickland's Debate Challenge

A day after receiving a challenge from his primary opponent, Andy Cargile said he “looks forward” to a one-on-one debate with state Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford.

“This is the perfect setting for voters to compare my conservative principles and fiscally responsible solutions to his uneven record in the Texas House,” Cargile said in a press statement Friday.

On Thursday, Stickland challenged the retired high school principal to a debate "solely on the issues, no petty political attacks allowed." He called for a debate that would address "water, budgeting & taxes, immigration, abortion, education and transportation." 

In an increasingly contentious race to represent House District 92, Stickland has accused Cargile’s campaign of avoiding the issues and slinging mud — with a focus on Stickland’s past career, age and level of education. Cargile has shrugged of those charges, saying he is only spreading the truth about Stickland, adding that the incumbent's key supporters, such as the group Empower Texans, has been attacking Cargile.

Cargile's campaign said it sent an email to Stickland’s representatives to prepare for the debate, suggesting that Scott Braddock, a reporter the Quorum Report, moderate it.

“As a reporter who has covered both Tarrant County and Austin politics, he has a unique understanding of the political issues in this race,” Becky Cowan, Cargile’s campaign manager, said in the release.