Candidates for the House of Representatives in districts 53 and 54 will debate Thursday night at an event hosted by Deschutes County chapter of the League of Women Voters, in conjunction with Bend City Club.

Emerson Levy, a Democrat, and Michael Sipe, a Republican, are vying for the District 53 seat after Rep. Jack Zika announced last November he would not seek re-election. Judy Trego, a Republican, is challenging current District 54 incumbent Rep. Jason Kropf.

Last time the four candidates were together, at a Bend Chamber-hosted candidate forum last month, a vocal crowd overshadowed their talk of policy goals and political philosophy. 

The debate, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Deschutes County Services building in downtown Bend. Gerry O’Brien, the editor of The Bulletin, will moderate the debate. The event will be recorded and will be posted on the League of Women Voters of Deschutes County’s website.