Republican incumbent French Hill and Democratic challenger Marcus Jones (at right) participate in a televised debate Oct. 7, 2024. (Screenshot from Arkansas PBS)
Access to abortion, rural health care and gun laws were among topics the two candidates for Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District volleyed back-and-forth during a televised debate Monday.
Democratic candidate Marcus Jones is challenging Republican incumbent French Hill to represent nearly 750,000 residents in Central Arkansas . Hill has served in the role for nearly 10 years, and Jones, who has nearly three decades of military service, said he hoped Monday’s debate showed contrast between the two.
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Most of the questions asked during the hour-long debate on Arkansas PBS addressed national issues, but candidates consistently related their answers to the potential effect on their constituents.
Regarding abortion, both Hill and Jones said they supported women’s rights and access to health care. They also agreed that they would vote against a nationwide abortion ban.