NORFOLK, Neb. – Republicans in Madison County will be gathering to hear the voices of candidates this week, but it won’t be for the races at the top of the ticket.

The Madison County Republican Party is hosting a candidates’ forum Tuesday at the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce featuring candidates for the Norfolk School Board and City Council Ward 4. Both races are technically non-partisan on the ballot.

According to Madison County GOP secretary Rick Benson, the debate will be open to public viewing from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Andrew McCarthy is the incumbent for the City Council’s Ward 4 position. Michele Sanchez and Zach Steiner are set to challenge McCarthy, with the top two vote-getters moving onto the general election.

Leann Widhalm and Jake Claussen currently hold the school board’s contested positions, with Teri Bauer, Cindy Booth, Randy Dee, Leonor Fuhrer and Lindsay Rohleder-Dixon also running for the job. The top six candidates will appear on the general election ballot. From there, the top three will serve on the board.