MARSHALL — A debate between area candidates for the Minnesota House of Representatives scheduled for this evening has been canceled, organizers said.

The event, which was planned to include Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, and DFL candidate Anthony Studemann, will not be held due to illness, organizers said.

In a message to debate organizers, Studemann said he was focusing on recovery from an illness and would not be able to participate in the event.

Studemann is challenging Swedzinski in Minnesota House District 15A, which includes Lyon, Yellow Medicine and Lac qui Parle counties, as well as part of Chippewa County in Granite Falls.

Swedzinski was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2010, and is currently serving in his seventh term as a state legislator. He also serves as the Republican Lead of the Minnesota House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee, and serves on the House Taxes Committee. Swedzinski farms in rural Ghent.

Studemann is a Marshall resident and graduate of Marshall High School. Studemann said he has worked at a variety of jobs in the area. Studemann’s list of campaign priorities included topics like growing southwest Minnesota communities, and supporting education, infrastructure investments, and police and emergency services.