NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears accepted their invitations to participate in the Oct. 9 statewide gubernatorial debate hosted by WAVY TV-10 and Norfolk State University.

The debate between Virginia gubernatorial candidates Spanberger and Earle-Sears is set to take place at the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center on the campus of Norfolk State University starting at 7 p.m.

Both Spanberger and Earle-Sears have previously turned down earlier debates, with Spanberger rejecting CNN’s invitation for a debate in the fall, according to Fox News, and Earle-Sears turning down the “People’s Debate,” which would have been held at Virginia State University, according to Virginia Mercury.

Spanberger accepted the invitation for the Oct. 9 WAVY-NSU debate on Monday, Aug. 18. A release from Spanberger’s team states she is “prepared and ready” to debate the issues she believes impact Virginians the most.

“Virginians have a clear choice in November. Abigail Spanberger is the only candidate with a gameplan for lowering costs for Virginia families, strengthening Virginia’s public schools, and standing up for Virginia’s economy in this moment of chaos and uncertainty,” said Samson Signori, Campaign Manager, Spanberger for Governor. “Abigail is prepared and ready to debate the issues at Norfolk State University, outline her vision for putting Virginians first, and make clear that her opponent is far too extreme for the Commonwealth.”

Earle-Sears verbally accepted the debate on Aug. 14, prior to Spanberger, but had yet to fill out the proper forms necessary to participate. She official signed on to the debate Tuesday, Aug. 19 and provided a statement to WAVY.

“I’m ready to take the stage in Norfolk and offer Virginians a clear choice for Governor. For years, Spanberger has hidden behind vague Washington rhetoric and dodged tough questions. Now, her record will be front and center. I’m prepared to deliver for Virginia, building on the proven results of my administration — the real question is: how will Abigail Spanberger defend her disastrous record to Virginians?”

Lt Governor Winsome Earle-Sears 

This historic debate between the two candidates is the only time voters will see them face-to-face, presenting Virginians a crucial opportunity to hear directly from them regarding the issues most important to both the Commonwealth and the nation. The event is being carried exclusively by all of Nexstar’s local television stations and digital platforms serving the Commonwealth, underscoring the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible political coverage to voters across Virginia.

The broadcast will be hosted by WAVY-TV 10 in Portsmouth and air on six other Nexstar television stations and digital platforms serving the Commonwealth, including WRIC-TV in Richmond, WFXR-TV in Roanoke, WDVM-TV/WDCW-TV in Washington, D.C., and WJHL-TV and EJHL-TV in Tri-Cities, TN.

The debate will be moderated by news anchors Tom Schaad of WAVY-TV 10 and Deanna Allbrittin of WRIC-TV in Richmond, and will reach a potential audience of four million viewers.

The Virginia Gubernatorial Debate Partner Stations