STATE COLLEGE — The League of Women Voters of Centre County will host the 2026 General Election Candidates’ Night on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. in the State College Borough Council Chambers, 243 S. Allen St.
The following candidates have been invited to attend:
- PA State House District 77: Scott Conklin-D, Michelle Schellberg-R
- PA State House District 82: Kirsten McTernan-R, Paul Takac-D
- PA State House District 171: Kerry Benninghoff-R, John Zangari-D
- U.S. House District 15: Ray Bilger-D, and Glenn “G.T.” Thompson-R
LWVCC has received confirmation of attendance of all candidates except Thompson, who declined and his opponent Michelle Schellberg who did not respond.
“We always hope for a full slate, if candidates’ schedules allow. Voters benefit from hearing from all possible choices,” said LWVCC President Kathleen O’Connell.
The non-partisan format gives each candidate 60 seconds to answer each of six questions, with the first to answer rotating among the candidates, and 90 seconds for a closing statement. Questions are prepared from community input and issues at hand. No questions are released to candidates prior to the event.
Questions for the candidates can be submitted to lwvcentrecounty@gmail.com or on the LWVCC website at www.lwvcentrecounty.org/candidates-nights until Sept. 29, or they can be submitted in person at the event.
“In this confusing time of 24-hour news, social media and negative advertising, our League provides a space for civil conversations with real people at our Candidates’ Nights,” said LWVCC Candidates’ Night Chairwoman Susan Werner.
The event will be livestreamed and archived on CNET and posted on the LWVCC website.
LWVCC registers voters, provides non-partisan candidate information in their Voters’ Guides and Candidates’ Night Forums, and many other activities working for all eligible citizens to be educated, empowered and encouraged to vote.
