AARP, Univision hold historic Spanish-language debate in Texas

AARP Texas and KWEX Univision 41 held a historic, all-Spanish language debate on September 25 between incumbent Francisco “Quico” Canseco (R-San Antonio) and State Representative Pete Gallego (D-Alpine) before a packed house at Palo Alto College in San Antonio.

Univision broadcast an edited version of the debate in various markets throughout Congressional District 23, which runs from the south side of San Antonio to just southeast of El Paso. Congressional District 23 is, geographically, one of the largest districts in the country. The debate was also broadcast in Austin. It received media attention from coast-to-coast ( LA Times to Huffington Post) as well as internationally (ABC Spain).

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“This gave candidates an excellent opportunity to explain their positions on key matters affecting retirement security -- particularly the future of Social Security and Medicare,” said AARP Texas State Director Bob Jackson. “AARP is committed to providing information to help voters make informed decisions about pocketbook issues and we are particularly pleased to partner with Univision to reach out to voters in CD 23.”

KWEX Univision 41 is consistently ranked among the top TV stations in San Antonio, regardless of language, in both news and programming.

“We are pleased that the candidates Pete Gallego and Francisco “Quico” Canseco participated in this historic Spanish-language debate,” said Jeff Zimmerman, vice president, general manager and director of Sales, Univision San Antonio. “The debate addressed topics relevant not only to San Antonio Latinos, but the Hispanic community at-large.”

AARP launched You’ve Earned a Say earlier this year to take the debate about Medicare and Social Security out from behind closed doors in Washington and engage everyday Americans in a conversation about changes being proposed to these vital programs. For more information, please visit earnedasay.org.

In conjunction with “Destino 2012”, this debate formed a part of Univision’s mission to inform, entertain and empower the U.S. Hispanic community. The primary goal is to create a direct-line of communication between the candidates and Univision’s audiences to address the most important issues impacting San Antonio and beyond.