The tight race expected between freshman California Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda and Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel would usually have the challenger calling for several debates against the incumbent.

But in an echo of endangered Republican senators demanding busier debate seasons against their Democratic rivals, it’s Rouda who wants to face off more often.

The Rouda campaign is requesting eight debates with Steel. One local California political analyst who spoke on the condition of anonymity told the Washington Examiner Rouda believes he can outshine Steel on the debate stage.