NEWARK, DE — Dr. Mike Katz, Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, criticized Senator Chris Coons and his campaign following their reported rejection of a debate jointly proposed by the University of Delaware College Democrats and College Republicans.
Following the cancellation, without a public announcement, of the University's traditional Delaware Debates, student leaders from both organizations came together to offer voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and compare their positions.
Katz accepted the invitation and offered to debate Coons in any format, at any time, and in any setting on campus. According to the student organizations, the Coons campaign declined.
"When the UD College Democrats and College Republicans put aside their political differences to promote open debate, elected leaders should applaud their leadership — not shut them down."
The Katz campaign highlighted deeply concerning allegations regarding Coons campaign manager Matt Schoonmaker, who allegedly scolded a Democrat student leader for taking the initiative to organize a transparent public forum.
"Students should never be discouraged or reprimanded for asking elected officials to participate in the democratic process. Senator Coons and his campaign should encourage these young leaders, not dismiss their efforts."
The Coons campaign also previously declined a televised debate opportunity offered through WDEL and CoastTV.
"Senator Coons has served in Washington for 16 years. Delaware voters deserve to compare our records, our positions, and our plans for the future before voting begins. I am ready to debate. Why will Senator Coons not do the same?"
Katz also raised concerns about the declining scrutiny of political leadership by Delaware's major news organizations, particularly The News Journal/Delaware Online and Spotlight Delaware.
"Delaware already has a limited number of major news outlets. That makes independent, investigative journalism more important than ever. When significant political developments receive little scrutiny, voters lose an essential source of information needed to hold their elected officials accountable."
"When College Democrats and College Republicans unite to organize a debate and the incumbent Senator declines, that is news."
When traditional debates are canceled without a public announcement and additional debate opportunities are rejected, that deserves serious journalistic investigation.
"Delaware has been under one-party Democratic control for years. The concentration of political power makes a free and independent press more essential, not less. Journalism must serve as a check on those in power — not allow political decisions to escape public scrutiny."
"The News Journal, Delaware Online, and Spotlight Delaware present themselves as important sources of news and accountability for Delaware. With that responsibility comes an obligation to ask difficult questions, investigate significant decisions, and report the facts regardless of political party."
Katz Praises Student Leaders and Confirms October 19 Town Hall
Katz recognized College Democrats President Sophie Douglas, College Republicans President Tim Schugsta, and their respective leadership boards for demonstrating bipartisan cooperation and civic engagement.
"These young leaders deserve tremendous credit. They demonstrated that people with different political views can come together to promote open dialogue and civic engagement."
Katz confirmed his participation in the upcoming University of Delaware campus town hall.
- Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
- Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
- Location: Trabant University Center, Multipurpose Rooms — University of Delaware, Newark
- Open to: All UD students
Press are welcome to attend but must be approved by the campaign in advance. Contact Hunter Dworsky, Campaign Manager, at Hunter@drmikekatz.com.
"I look forward to meeting with students — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike — listening to their concerns, answering difficult questions, and discussing Delaware's future."
"Students from both political parties have demonstrated their willingness to bring people together and ask difficult questions. Senator Coons, will you agree to debate before early voting begins?"
About Dr. Mike Katz Dr. Mike Katz is the Republican nominee for the United States Senate in Delaware. A pediatric critical care anesthesiologist, business executive, former Delaware State Senator, and nationally recognized healthcare leader, Dr. Katz has dedicated more than three decades to serving Delaware families through medicine, business leadership, and public service. He and his wife, Trish, have called Delaware home for thirty years, where they raised their family. His campaign is focused on restoring accountability, strengthening Delaware's economy, supporting law enforcement and veterans, defending agriculture, securing America's borders, protecting constitutional freedoms, making America healthy again, and always putting Delaware first.
Media Contact Hunter Dworsky, Campaign Manager Dr. Mike Katz for U.S. Senate 213-610-4525 Hunter@drmikekatz.com