AARP, League of Women Voters and Northwest Public Broadcasting Announce 4th Congressional District Forum Featuring Candidates Amanda McKinney and John Duresky

What are the priorities of the two candidates seeking to represent Washington’s 4th Congressional District in Congress?

Amanda McKinney (R) and John Duresky (D) addressed constituent questions during a recent nonpartisan candidate forum hosted by AARP Washington, the League of Women Voters and Northwest Public Broadcasting.

Missed the forum? You can watch the full recording online.

During the one-hour forum, the candidates responded to questions about a wide range of issues affecting people and families across Central Washington. The discussion was moderated by Matt Loveless, scholarly assistant professor of communication at Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication and was filmed at Northwest Public Broadcasting’s studio on the WSU Tri-Cities campus.

A chance to hear directly from the candidates

With the retirement of Rep. Dan Newhouse, voters in the 4th Congressional District will elect a new representative for the first time in more than a decade.

The forum provides an opportunity to hear McKinney and Duresky respond directly to questions about issues that can have a real impact on the daily lives and financial security of Central Washington residents.

Beginning October 14th, the recording will air several times on KTNW-TV before Election Day and will be available in its entirety on AARP Washington’s website. Visit KTNW-TV’s schedule for viewing times.

The forum was a shared effort by AARP Washington, the League of Women Voters and Northwest Public Broadcasting to provide voters with trusted, nonpartisan information and encourage informed civic participation. All three organizations are strictly nonpartisan and do not support or oppose political candidates or political parties.

“Voters 50-plus play a decisive role in our elections, making up more than 55% of the electorate in the 4th Congressional District in 2024,” said Cathy MacCaul, Advocacy Director for AARP Washington. “Forums like this give voters an opportunity to engage with the candidates, learn where they stand on important issues, and make informed decisions at the ballot box.”

Issues that matter to voters

Many of the questions addressed during the forum reflect concerns that are top of mind for voters, particularly the rising cost of living and financial security.

A September 2026 AARP poll found that 94% of adults age 50 and older believe prices have risen in recent months, with many cutting back not only on discretionary spending but also on essentials such as groceries. In addition, 90% of voters age 50 and older say they are more likely to support candidates who will protect Social Security.

The forum also addressed issues beyond household finances, giving voters the opportunity to hear the candidates discuss voter access, family caregiving, data centers, tariffs and other topics affecting communities throughout the district.

Watch the conversation

“A healthy democracy depends on informed and engaged voters,” said Beverly Johnson-Torelli of the League of Women Voters. “We're pleased to help create opportunities for voters to hear directly from candidates, compare their priorities and perspectives, and participate more fully in the electoral process.”

Annie Warren, Director of Content for Northwest Public Broadcasting, said public media has an important role to play in connecting communities with balanced, trusted information.

“By partnering on this forum and making it available across multiple platforms, we're helping ensure voters throughout the district have the resources they need to make an informed decision about who will represent them in Congress,” Warren said.

Watch the full recording to hear how the candidates responded to questions about issues important to Central Washington voters.