Juan Ciscomani

Republican U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani will face Democratic opponent JoAnna Mendoza on Sept. 10 in a televised debate.

It’s the highest-profile forum so far in the race for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, one of the few seats that is seen as up for grabs by both political parties in the 2026 midterms.

The contest is drawing millions of dollars’ worth of campaign spending to southeastern Arizona ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Mendoza and her allies have taken aim at Ciscomani’s voting record, especially times when he voted with House Republicans to cut Medicaid, clean energy credits, and other government benefits that had flowed into the district.

One TV ad released by the campaign calls him “spineless.”

Republicans in turn are attacking parts of Mendoza’s background and profile. Ads have highlighted a property tax filing issue in which Mendoza wrongfully claimed an education-related tax credit that saved her about $400 per year since 2024 and her work as a political operative before running for office.

“Liberal lobbyist JoAnna Mendoza is not looking out for you,” an ad put out by House Speaker Mike Johnson’s super PAC said.

The district stretches across Pima County, including much of Tucson, and Cochise County.

Early voting begins Oct. 7.

The debate is hosted by Arizona's Citizens Clean Elections Commission.

It will be livestreamed on www.azcentral.com.