The Day’s state Senate debate series continues on Thursday with candidates from the 33rd District squaring off on the stage of the Garde Arts Center in New London.

The hourlong event, streamed live on theday.com, begins at 7 p.m. The event is being held without a live audience because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The debate will feature incumbent Democratic state Sen. Norm Needleman, D-Essex, and Republican candidate Brendan Saunders of Clinton. The 33rd District spans the towns of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.

Day Editorial Page Editor Paul Choiniere will moderate the debate. He will be joined by 94.9 News Now radio talk show host and contributing Day columnist Lee Elci and Day Staff Writer and editorial board member Julia Bergman in questioning the candidates.