Where is the debate?
Congressman Carbajal has until September 8.
Bob Smith has invited Congressman Carbajal to a televised debate in Santa Barbara, in person, before ballots are mailed in October.
One stage. Two hours. Before you vote.
On August 25, Bob wrote to Congressman Carbajal proposing a two hour, in person debate during the third or fourth week of September, at a venue both campaigns agree on, broadcast locally.
The invitation leaves almost every detail to the Congressman. The moderator would be acceptable to both campaigns. Neither campaign would have editorial control over the questions, and Bob’s campaign will not request any.
Bob asked for a response by September 8, 2026.
Both candidates, in person
On stage, for the full debate.
No teleprompters
No electronic devices and no prewritten notes. A blank notepad and a pen.
Before ballots are mailed
Ballots go to every registered voter in early October. The debate should happen first.
“The voters of California’s 24th Congressional District deserve the opportunity to hear directly from both candidates.”
Bob Smith, in his letter to Congressman Carbajal
Read it in full.
Sent to the Congressman’s Santa Barbara office. Nothing here is paraphrased.
BOB SMITH FOR CONGRESSCALIFORNIA’S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTAugust 25, 2026
The Honorable Salud Carbajal
U.S. House of Representatives
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
“I am writing to invite you to a televised debate in Santa Barbara. We propose a two-hour, in-person debate during the third or fourth week of September, at a mutually agreeable venue and broadcast locally.”
“The moderator would be acceptable to both campaigns. Neither campaign would have editorial control over the questions, and we will not request any.”
“We are highly flexible on the moderator, venue, debate structure, speaking times, and other logistics. We ask only that both candidates appear in person, on stage, for the full debate; that neither candidate use a teleprompter, electronic device, or prewritten notes; and that the debate occur before ballots are mailed in early October. Each candidate may use a blank notepad and pen.”
“You have represented this district since January 2017. You have a decade of votes, policies, legislation, and accomplishments that you are proud to defend. There is no version of this in which you are short of material.”
“I am a first-time candidate and a retired Navy officer. You are unquestionably the more experienced politician. I am asking you to stand on the same stage with me anyway, because the voters of California’s 24th Congressional District deserve the opportunity to hear directly from both candidates and compare the people asking to represent them.”
“If the answer is no, please tell us. We will characterize your decision accurately and without embellishment, and we will publish verbatim any statement you provide explaining your decision.”
“If you prefer a different date, venue, moderator, or debate structure, tell us that instead. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate you. We would appreciate a response by September 8, 2026.”
Sincerely,
Bob Smith
Letter to Congressman Carbajal, August 25, 2026
The answer is his to give,
by September 8.
If he says yes, we will meet him wherever and whenever he chooses. If he says no, we will publish his reason in his own words, without comment.