The first of two scheduled debates for candidates in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District was held on Monday night in Dodd Auditorium at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.

Incumbent Republican Rob Wittman squared off against Northern Neck resident and Democratic challenger Vangie Williams in discussion. The pair alternated being asked a question by a moderating staff of UMW faculty and were given two minutes to answer. The opponent then had a minute to offer a rebuttal.

Despite a national media narrative that U.S. politics now are more divided than ever, both Wittman and Williams were very measured and polished in their responses. If anything, the citizens broke decorum more than the candidates, with whoops for Williams and calls of “yeah Rob!” being silenced by moderators on several occasions throughout the debate.

The audience appeared to be around two-thirds Williams supporters, though a vocal cadre of Wittman fans occupied the front right por...