Congressional candidate Eric Jones announced a challenge to U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson to participate in nine public debates across California's 4th Congressional District, including one in each of the district's nine counties and at least one televised debate. Photo courtesy of the Eric Jones campaign

NAPA, CA (MPG) - Congressional candidate Eric Jones has challenged U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson to participate in nine debates across California's 4th Congressional District, including one in each of the district's nine counties and at least one televised debate.

Jones announced the challenge Tuesday, saying the district's new boundaries warrant more opportunities for voters to hear directly from the candidates.

"Prop 50 completely redrew this district last November," Jones said. "It now stretches over 160 miles, from Petaluma to Yuba County, and includes nearly a million people who have never had the chance to hear directly from their member of Congress."

Jones said the district includes voters in Colusa, Lake, Napa, Placer, Sacramento, Sonoma, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties.

He also pointed to the June 2 primary election results, noting Thompson received less than 41% of the vote while nearly 60% of voters supported other candidates.

"Nearly half of the voters in this district are new to the congressional district," Jones said. "They deserve more than campaign commercials and talking points. They deserve a representative who will show up, answer tough questions and earn their trust."

Jones said he and Thompson differ on issues including healthcare costs, housing, corruption and the cost of living, and he argued that public debates would allow voters to compare their positions.

The challenger also criticized Thompson's recent voting record, questioning whether the incumbent would "actually take a position, or will you slink away and vote 'present' like you did just last week."

According to the Jones campaign, a formal debate invitation has been sent to Thompson's campaign. Jones said his campaign plans to work with civic organizations, chambers of commerce and news outlets throughout the district to organize the proposed debates.

As of the announcement, Thompson's campaign had not publicly responded to the debate challenge.