Dr. Jeremy Hosein Calls for Open Debates, Candidate Forums in Board of Regents Race

Hosein says voters deserve to hear directly from both candidates, compare their records and understand where they stand

LINCOLN, Neb. — Dr. Jeremy Hosein, candidate for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents District 1, today called for a series of open debates and candidate forums before the November election, saying voters deserve meaningful opportunities to hear directly from both candidates and compare their experiences, priorities and positions.

Hosein’s call follows the cancellation of a September 29 Board of Regents candidate forum after his opponent, Brent Comstock, declined the invitation to participate.

The forum was being organized by the League of Women Voters of Lincoln/Lancaster County, in partnership with the UNL Emeriti and Retiree Association. Nebraska Examiner reporter Erin Bamer had been selected to moderate, and the event was to focus exclusively on the District 1 Board of Regents race.

Hosein accepted the invitation.

“This is bigger than any one date or any one forum,” Hosein said. “In this age of sham political candidates, fake political parties, and petition fraud, it’s hard for Nebraskans to know who and what to trust.  Debates break through the noise so voters  know who we are and where we stand. I remain committed to participating in that process.”

Hosein said he is willing to participate in debates, candidate forums and other substantive public conversations throughout the remaining weeks of the campaign. 

Hosein added, “A debate is different. Voters get to see who the candidate really are, what they believe, what their priorities are and how they respond when they are asked difficult questions.”

Hosein said debates are particularly important in a Board of Regents race because voters are choosing individuals who will help oversee one of Nebraska’s most important public institutions.

“Campaigns can put anything they want on social media or in a glossy mail piece,” Hosein said. “This isn’t just about comparing two résumés. Voters deserve to know who we are, what we believe, what we do for a living and how we contribute to and impact our communities. The people elected to the Board of Regents make consequential decisions about an institution that educates tens of thousands of students and is supported by Nebraska taxpayers. Voters have the right to understand the vastly different experiences and priorities we would each bring to those decisions.”

Issues before the University and its Board of Regents include tuition and affordability, university spending and accountability, academic priorities, workforce preparation, free speech and the future direction of the University of Nebraska.

Hosein said voters should be able to hear candidates address those issues side-by-side and respond to questions and follow-up questions that are not controlled by either campaign.

“Voters deserve honesty and transparency,” Hosein said. “Tell them what you believe. Be clear about where you stand. Defend your positions. Answer the follow-up questions. Then let people make their decision after they’ve had the opportunity to see and hear both candidates for themselves.”

Hosein Has Sought Debate for Months

Hosein’s call for debates is not new.

On May 4, Hosein directly asked Comstock to participate in a debate as part of an appeal for a positive, issue-focused campaign.

“With that in mind, I’d like to renew my request for a debate,” Hosein wrote at the time. “This could be a meaningful opportunity to show that differing viewpoints don’t require personal animosity, and that civil, thoughtful exchange is still possible—and valuable.”

Comstock did not respond to Hosein’s request to run a positive campaign or participate in a debate.  

Hosein said his position remains unchanged.

“I am asking the voters for their trust to represent them on the Board of Regents,” Hosein said. “I think that comes with an obligation to show up, answer questions and have an open discussion about where we each stand.”

Hosein has committed to participating in potential debates, candidate forums and public conversations currently being discussed by civic, business, university and community organizations.

“There should be nothing controversial about two candidates for public office sitting down in front of voters and answering questions,” Hosein said. “That is part of the job we are asking voters to give us.”

Hosein said he will continue accepting invitations to candidate debates and forums through Election Day.

“Voters deserve more than what either campaign chooses to tell them about its candidate,” Hosein said. “Put us in the same room. Ask us the same questions. Ask the follow-ups. Let voters see the differences and decide for themselves.”

ABOUT DR. JEREMY HOSEIN

Dr. Jeremy Hosein is a Lincoln neurosurgeon, University of Nebraska alumnus and former NU Student Regent. He has served Nebraska in state and federal public policy roles, including as a senior policy adviser to Nebraska governors and as a White House Fellow. Hosein is a candidate for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents representing District 1.