Democratic U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes and Republican challenger Chris Shea presented contrasting priorities at their October 13 debate, according to CT Mirror’s Lisa Hagen. CT-N’s dated schedule independently lists the League of Women Voters of Litchfield County forum for 7 p.m. that evening.
CT Mirror reports that Hayes wants to reverse cuts affecting Medicaid and SNAP, while Shea favors strengthening or making permanent the tax-relief provisions in H.R. 1. On tariffs, Shea acknowledged higher prices but defended their use in trade negotiations; Hayes argued that Congress should set trade policy rather than leave unilateral tariff decisions to the president.
The outlet also describes some agreement on data-center oversight: Hayes emphasized companies’ energy costs, and Shea emphasized respect for local zoning. These are reported campaign positions, not changes in benefits, taxes or zoning rules.
The contest concerns western Connecticut’s 5th District. Eastern CT News read the complete report and CT-N’s schedule, but did not review a full debate recording.