October 6, 2026
FROM THE AARON GIES FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN: Aaron Gies, Democratic candidate for Congress in New York’s 23rd Congressional District, today released documentation showing that Congressman Nick Langworthy publicly claimed to have accepted a debate invitation from WBEN that the station says was never formally extended. The revelation comes as Langworthy continues to reject additional invitations to debate Gies, repeatedly arguing that two debates are sufficient. On August 13, Langworthy’s campaign posted on social media criticizing Gies for not yet accepting an alleged debate invitation from WBEN 930. The post was subsequently deleted. The post prompted the Gies campaign to contact WBEN directly. In an email on August 13, WBEN’s Brand Manager, Lisa Polizzi explained that Langworthy had responded live on the station that he would be open to a debate, but confirmed that no formal invitation had been extended to either campaign. The discrepancy became even more significant when Langworthy subsequently declined a debate hosted by the League of Women Voters. In a September 3rd letter declining that invitation, Langworthy cited debates with WETM and WBEN as opportunities to give voters across the district multiple chances to hear from the candidates. On October 5th, in an email from Aaron Mason, WKBW Sr. News Director, the Gies campaign was informed that Langworthy had declined WKBW’s invitation because he has already accepted two debate invitations. But according to WBEN, it had not issued any formal debate invitation.
The Gies campaign followed up with WBEN. The station reiterated its position in an email on October 5th: “No formal debate invitation has been sent out to anyone.” To date, the Gies campaign has received formal debate invitations from WETM, the League of Women Voters, WSKG and WKBW. Gies has accepted all debate invitations and remains willing to participate in additional debates and forums with Langworthy. Langworthy has declined invitations from the League of Women Voters, WSKG and WKBW, while citing the supposed WBEN debate as a reason not to accept others. “Voters in this district deserve to hear directly from the people asking for their vote,” said Aaron Gies. “Congressman Langworthy doesn’t want to defend his record, so he’s dodging debates just like he dodges meeting with voters. I am willing to debate him wherever voters can watch and listen. I will explain my ideas and answer tough questions, even if it’s on Newsmax.”
“Team Langworthy has apparently discovered a new campaign strategy,” said Gies Campaign Manager Robert Leonard. “Invent a debate to reject real debates.” That’s not a Congressman defending his record. That’s a Congressman running away from it and voters have every right to wonder what he’s so desperate to avoid.” The Gies campaign is releasing the relevant correspondence and documentation so that voters and members of the media can review the record for themselves. Gies is well over halfway through his 100 Town Hall Tour. All events are in-person and free for anyone to attend. To find a Town Hall near you, visit Aaronforny23.com
Editors Note: WLEA News reached out to Congressman Nick Langworthy’s Campaign to get a response but we have not heard back from them as of yet.
