Hobart and William Smith Colleges

28 May 2026 Barnes to Moderate NY-24 Congressional Primary Debate

Longtime Debate Director Eric Barnes to moderate Congressional Forum at Smith Opera House.

Hobart and William Smith Professor of Philosophy and emeritus Director of Debate Eric Barnes will moderate a public debate between Democratic candidates seeking their party’s nomination in New York’s 24th Congressional District.

The debate between candidates Alissa Ellman and Diana Kastenbaum will take place on Tuesday, June 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Smith Opera House in Geneva. Sponsored by the Seneca County Democratic Committee and the Ontario County Democratic Committee, the event is free and open to the public.

A longtime faculty member at HWS, Barnes is widely recognized for his leadership in debate and public discourse education. As emeritus director of debate, he helped build HWS’ nationally respected debate program and has guided generations of students in the practice of civil dialogue, critical thinking and public argumentation.

“Public debates play an essential role in civic engagement and informed democracy,” Barnes says. “This event offers voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and engage with the issues shaping the future of the district.”

Ellman and Kastenbaum both secured sufficient petition signatures to appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary election. Organizers are also inviting members of the public to submit questions for the candidates in advance through an online form.

The winner of the June 23 Democratic primary will face incumbent Congresswoman Claudia Tenney in the general election on Nov. 3.

In the photo above Professor of Philosophy Eric Barnes leads a pre-law session.