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Florida Atlantic University (FAU) will host the televised debates for the 2026 state general elections, in which voters will select the successor to Governor Ron DeSantis and the senator who will complete the term vacated by Marco Rubio.
The organizers of the nonpartisan series "Decision 2026: Before YOU Vote" announced on Tuesday that the debate for the federal Senate will take place on October 13, while the gubernatorial debate will be held on October 15. Both will start at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast in the ten television markets across Florida from the FAU campus in Boca Raton, reported Gulf Coast News.
This year's elections will mark the end of Ron DeSantis's administration, who will leave office on January 5, 2027, as he is unable to seek a third consecutive term, according to the state constitution.
A contested race for the governorship
In the Republican ranks, Congressman Byron Donalds leads the polls with up to 46% of voter intention and has the support of President Donald Trump, who has described him as "a truly great and powerful governor."
Donalds is competing against Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback. If he wins in November, he would become the first black Republican governor in the state's history.
For the Democratic Party, the main candidates are former congressman David Jolly and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
The special election for the Senate
The Senate debate pertains to a special election to complete the remaining two years of Marco Rubio's term, who resigned from his seat in January 2025 after being appointed Secretary of State by President Trump.
After Rubio's departure, DeSantis appointed former Attorney General Ashley Moody as interim, who is now seeking to remain in office and leads the Republican polls with support ranging from 43% to 50%.
In the Democratic camp, retired Lieutenant Colonel Alex Vindman stands out, known for his role during Trump’s first impeachment trial, whose campaign raised $1.7 million in its first 24 hours.
Requirements to participate
The primaries for both parties will be held on August 18, while the general election will take place on November 3, 2026.
To participate in the October debates, candidates must achieve at least 12.5% of voter intention in a Mason-Dixon Polling survey to be conducted in September, including the margin of error of the poll.
The discussions will be moderated by Todd McDermott, presenter of WPBF, joined by a panel of two journalists. In addition to the television broadcast, Florida Public Media will air them on public radio, there will be a Spanish version available, and they will be accessible for national rebroadcast through C-SPAN.
"An informed electorate is essential for a strong democracy, and these debates provide voters with the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on the issues that matter most to them," said Carolyn Nolte, president and CEO of the Florida Press Association.
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