New London — State Rep. Ernest Hewett and Chris Soto, the candidates in the Democratic primary in New London’s 39th House District, will face off in a debate at 7 p.m. July 20 at the Science and Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut.

The debate, which will be live streamed on theday.com, is jointly sponsored by The Day and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. The League of Women Voters of Southeastern Connecticut will provide timekeepers. Day Editorial Page Editor Paul Choiniere will serve as moderator. The debate is scheduled to run one hour. The event will be free and open to the public.

The outcome of the Aug. 9 primary is likely to determine the winner of the election. At this time there is no Republican or other challenger.

Hewett, 59, is seeking a seventh term and is the party-endorsed candidate. Soto, a 35-year-old U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate and founder of the New London nonprofit Higher Edge, used the petition process to force the primary. No other debates are scheduled for the Hewett-Soto race.

Only registered Democrats in Districts 1 and 2 will be able to vote in the primary.