Lake challenges Flynn to debates in 22nd Senate District primary

Challenger proposes series of four debates; incumbent says he's definitely interested in debating, but not four times.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:04pm

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A photorealistic painting of an empty state capitol building with a lone figure standing on the steps, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and contemplation.The debate over debates in the 22nd Senate District primary reflects the delicate balance between voter engagement and campaign logistics.Scranton Today

Democratic state Senate candidate Jeffrey Lake is challenging incumbent Democratic state Sen. Marty Flynn to a series of four debates in their 22nd Senate District primary race. Flynn said he's willing to debate Lake, but not four times as Lake has proposed.

Why it matters

Debates allow voters to directly compare the candidates' positions and qualifications, which is especially important in a primary election where voters are choosing between members of the same party. The number of debates can be a point of contention, as candidates may have different strategies for engaging with voters.

The details

Lake, a Clarks Summit resident and special education professional, is challenging Flynn, the incumbent Democrat from Dunmore who has represented the 22nd District in the state Senate since 2021. Lake has proposed four debates - one each in the weeks of April 13, April 27, May 4, and the weekend before the May 19 primary. Flynn said he's willing to debate Lake, but not four times.

  • The last day for unregistered would-be voters to register before the primary is May 4.
  • The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is May 12.
  • The Democratic primary for the 22nd Senate District seat will be held on May 19.

The players

Jeffrey Lake

A Clarks Summit resident and special education professional who is challenging incumbent state Sen. Marty Flynn in the Democratic primary for the 22nd Senate District.

Marty Flynn

The incumbent Democratic state Senator who has represented the 22nd District since 2021, when he won a special election to replace former Democratic state Sen. John Blake.

Sharon Soltis Sparano

The presumptive Republican nominee for the 22nd Senate District seat, a retired pharmacist from La Plume Township who is uncontested for the GOP nomination in the May primary.

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What they’re saying

“'I'll definitely do a debate with him,'”

— Marty Flynn, Incumbent state Senator

“'Limiting this to one debate shortchanges voters, especially in a district that spans multiple counties. If Senator Flynn is unwilling to stand before the public more than once, that says a lot. … We'll be hosting (four) forums, and we're happy Senator Flynn has decided to attend one of them.'”

— Jeffrey Lake, Challenger for state Senate

What’s next

It's not yet clear when and where any potential debate or debates between the candidates would take place.

The takeaway

This primary race highlights the importance of debates in allowing voters to directly compare candidates, even within the same party. The number of debates proposed is a point of contention, with the challenger wanting more opportunities for public engagement than the incumbent is willing to commit to.