Former Mayor Steve DeBrum is moderating the first debate in the Manteca mayoral race.

It takes place at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, in the MRPS Hall ballroom, 133 N. Grant St.

Incumbent Gary Singh and challenger Jacob Naven have agreed to meet in a debate format.

That means DeBrum will ask 10 separate questions.

A coin flip will determine which candidate goes first.

Each candidate will have two minutes to answer. Who goes first will alternate with each question.

The event will start with a two-minute opening statement from each candidate.

It will end with a two-minute closing statement.

Chris Teicheria is scheduled to serve as the timer.

The cost of the debate — hall rental, water, and soda — is being covered by the Singh campaign.

Upcoming forums

There are two upcoming forums featuring the mayor candidates as well as those running for the District 3 and District 4 council seats currently held by Dave Breitenbucher and Mike Morowit.

The Interact Club of Manteca will host the 2026 Manteca Civic Forum on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 6 p.m. at the VFW Veterans Center, at 580 Moffat Blvd.

The forum is designed to provide residents with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for Manteca Mayor and the Manteca City Council in advance of the Nov. 3 election.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 6 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Manteca Chamber of Commerce is hosting a forum on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. at the Emory Hall, 1028 West Yosemite Ave.

There is a $10 charge. Refreshments will be served.

Questions can be submitted via the chamber’s website at manteca.org where tickets can be purchased as well.

Lei Ann Varletta Larson is challenging Breitenbucher for the District 3 seat.

Morowit’s challengers are Dani Bettencourt and Rogger Gutierrez.

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To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com