PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The establishment-backed candidate in the Democratic Senate primary was a no-show at a televised debate, but she said she’ll be participating in two forums before the July 14 primary.

Lobbyist Betsy Sweet and attorney Bre Kidman participated via Zoom without House Speaker Sara Gideon in the debate Monday evening that was sponsored by News Center Maine.

Kidman released on social media a clip of Gideon telling her in March that she would attend a debate.

Gideon’s campaign insisted Tuesday that she’ll be appearing at upcoming events hosted by the Maine Public and the Democratic Party.

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