Where:

The Commons at KQED 2601 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

Tickets are sold out, but show up to make noise and/or wave signs.

Watch:

KQED Channel 9

or

https://www.tixr.com/groups/kqed/events/election-2026-sf-congressional-debate-200084

or

https://www.youtube.com/kqedlive

Listen:

KQED 88.5 FM

Watch the recorded debate here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igBVJ_1dIdY&t=2238s

My summary:

First round: Both candidates dodged the question of what qualities are required for a Representative, reciting their resumes instead. Connie calls out for using an AI chatbot to mock her, and Scott apologizes.

Second round: Scott hides behind the perfect being the end of the good, to oppose Prop 40, the billionaire tax.

Connie dodges the question of why her district has built the least new housing.

Third round: Connie supports an AI development moratorium, and recognizes that Congress can't act fast enough to regulate the industry, and wants more support for whistleblowers to pull the brakes.

Scott recites his own AI law SB53 passed in CA. Cites lack of leadership by Trump. Compares need for cooperation with China to control AI development to the nuclear arms race cooperation between the US and Soviet Union.

Connie calls for US to take leadership of regulation instead of the narrative of competition.

Fourth round: Connie calls out genocide in Palestine and calls for arms embargo to Israel, including Iron Dome systems, for a ceasefire.

Scott supports selling Iron Dome systems, but not "offensive weapons." Believes in 2 state solution. Later against "any weapons to Israeli military"

Fifth round: Scott supports defensive weapons for Taiwan, but not US boots on the ground there. And democracy in general, including Ukraine.

Connie believes the US should be supporting stability in the region by facilitating dialogue. No boots on the ground in Taiwan either.

6th round: When pressed, Connie cites her support of Mayor Lurie's hiring freeze, against labor's wishes.

Scott cites high score with labor and working with building trades on labor standards.

7th round: Scott cites Connie's opposition to new housing, zoning changes, votes against car-free day in GG Park. Connie replies that she's "listening to constituents"

Connie cites Scotts "watered down" SB53 AI regulation bill. Scott repeats that many states have copied the bill, and says some in Congress want to copy it. Says it's the "strongest AI regulation in the country"

8th round: Connie "healthcare is a right" supports Medicare For All. Attacks Scott's SB770 which delays Medicare For All.

(outta time, more later)