Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders will square off in Flint, Mich., next month, CNN announced Sunday.
The March 6 debate in the city, which has been at the forefront of the news due to contaminated water, comes two days before the Michigan and Mississippi primaries.
“Our Democratic candidates have run spirited campaigns focused on how to best move our country forward, and our upcoming debate in Flint, Mich., is a critical setting to highlight what’s at stake in these elections,” Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said in a statement released by CNN.
“This debate is an opportunity to elevate the very serious issues facing the residents of Flint, and it’s also an opportunity to remind voters what Democratic leadership can do for the economy — so that everyone in America has a fair shot,” the Florida representative added.
The newly-scheduled debate comes after the initial DNC-sanctioned debate schedule was criticized.
Lead from old pipes has contaminated Flint’s water supply, which has caused Legionella poisoning throughout the area — including 10 deaths.
Clinton will be leaving New Hampshire on Sunday to visit Flint, as asked by Mayor Karen Weaver.
