Navy veteran and GOP congressional candidate Michael Maher said Monday that Rep. Jim Costa is denying voters a chance to compare the two men on the November ballot in California’s 21st District.

Maher, who spoke at a news conference outside Costa’s district office in downtown Fresno, said that he and Costa should publicly debate the week of July 15 when the House is in summer recess.

Maher also said that Costa has been missing in action on issues essential to growing the Valley economy such as water, labor, affordable housing, high-quality public education, and public safety.

Related Story: Maher on Running Against Costa: ‘He’s Not Doing Enough’

Regarding the war in Gaza, Maher said it’s a complicated issue that’s been going on for a thousand years.

It can only be settled with “thought, reason, and love and respect,” he said. “And, if we don’t do that, I’m concerned for the future.”

Asked to assess Costa’s stance on Gaza, Maher said: “He’s completely dodged the issue. He is a lifetime politician who addresses issues based on what is politically expedient for him to get reelected.”