Notable Non-English City-Level Candidate Debates in the U.S.

1. Salt Lake City, Utah – 2023 Mayoral Debate (Spanish)

  • Date: October 4, 2023
  • Language: Spanish
  • Candidates: Erin Mendenhall (incumbent), Rocky Anderson, Michael Valentine
  • Platform: Broadcast live on PBS Utah (Channel 7.1) and KUER 90.1 FM; also streamed online.
  • Details: This debate was conducted entirely in Spanish, providing Spanish-speaking residents with direct access to the candidates’ platforms and policies. Topics included homelessness, housing affordability, and city development. kuer.org+1kuer.org+1kuer.org+1ksl.com+1

2. Allentown, Pennsylvania – 2021 Mayoral Debate (Spanish)

  • Date: October 19, 2021
  • Language: Spanish
  • Candidates: Matt Tuerk (Democrat), Tim Ramos (Republican)
  • Platform: Aired on PBS39 Extra (35.1) and WLVR 91.3 FM; also available online.
  • Details: This virtual debate was conducted entirely in Spanish, focusing on issues pertinent to Allentown’s Latino community, such as housing, public safety, and economic development. lehighvalleynews.compbs.org

3. Minneapolis, Minnesota – 2013 Mayoral Forum (Somali)

  • Date: May 31, 2013
  • Language: Somali
  • Candidates: Mark Andrew, Gary Schiff, Don Samuels, Betsy Hodges, Jackie Cherryhomes
  • Platform: Held at Safari Restaurant, a Somali-owned venue in Minneapolis.
  • Details: This was the first mayoral forum in Minneapolis specifically organized for the Somali community, conducted in Somali. Candidates addressed issues such as education, policing, and economic opportunities relevant to Somali-American residents. startribune.com+2mndaily.com+2startribune.com+2startribune.com

These debates highlight efforts to engage non-English-speaking communities in the political process by providing access to candidate discussions in their native languages.

New York Independent News
Independent New York News & USA News for You TV503.com