The respected, effective non-partisan partnership that has produced live statewide televised debates in Florida for more than 20 years is organized again for the state’s 2026 races for Governor and U.S. Senator.
Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton will host this year’s general election debates — with the U.S. Senate debate now set for Tuesday, Oct. 13, followed by the contest for Governor on Thursday, Oct. 15. Both debates will be broadcast in all 10 Florida markets from 7-8 p.m. Eastern time. Locally, they will air on WESH, Channel 2
“As voters prepare to make important decisions that will shape the future of our state and nation, Florida Atlantic University is proud to serve as a trusted convener for these debates,” said Adam Hasner, president of Florida Atlantic University. “While the debates present an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and participate in the democratic process, they also provide a great educational experience for our students, who will be able to witness democracy in action.”
Sponsors helping to offset costs of the debate project include the Florida League of Cities, Florida Realtors, Florida Bankers Association, & the Claude Pepper Foundation. All funding for the project is administered by “Decision 2026” fiscal agent, the Florida Press Foundation.
As the second term of Governor Ron DeSantis heads toward completion, Florida is drawing national political interest as the state is expected to have robust contests to elect Florida’s next U.S. Senator and Governor, on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot.
When Florida’s former U.S. Senator Marco Rubio was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as America’s Secretary of State, Governor DeSantis appointed the state’s former Attorney General, Ashley Moody, to the U.S. Senate seat. The winner in November will complete the last two years of former Senator Rubio’s six-year term.
“Florida has built one of the strongest economies in the country, and the decisions made in this election will help shape what comes next for our businesses, workforce and communities,” said David Denor, Publisher and President of Florida Trend. “We’re proud to once again support a debate program that has earned the trust of Floridians through its commitment to fairness and integrity for more than two decades.”
Dr. Robert McClure, President & CEO of The James Madison Institute, offered insight about the importance of the “Before YOU Vote” 2026 edition.
“These debates provide Floridians with an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, compare their ideas, and make informed decisions before casting their ballots,” said Dr. McClure. “We’re proud to continue partnering with organizations across Florida to promote civil discourse, increase voter understanding, and strengthen our state’s democratic institutions through this longstanding tradition.”
As in “Before YOU Vote” prior debates, any candidate must reach a specific reasonable threshold level of public support to qualify for the debates, as measured by a poll to be conducted for the debate organizers by Mason-Dixon Polling in September. A qualifying candidate must have at least 12.5% support in the poll (including the full benefit of the poll’s +/- percentage margin of error).
“An informed electorate is essential to a strong democracy — and these debates provide voters with the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on the issues that matter most,” said Carolyn Nolte, President & CEO of the Florida Press Association. “As an organization dedicated to supporting trusted journalism and civic engagement, we are honored to help facilitate these important conversations and ensure voters have access to the information they need to participate fully in our democratic process.”
Dr. Lonna Atkeson, Director of the LeRoy Collins Institute, underscored the significance of the debates.
“Our nonpartisan research and programming strengthen a Florida electorate that is informed, engaged, and confident in the integrity of our elections,” she said. “We’re proud to partner on ‘Before YOU Vote’ because these debates give voters information they need to evaluate candidates for themselves — before casting ballots.”
