Va. Gov. nominees Spanberger, Earle-Sears accept invitation to WAVY-NSU debate

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-10 and Norfolk State University.

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The debate between Virginia gubernatorial candidates Spanberger and Earle-Sears is set to take place at Norfolk State University starting at 7 p.m.

Both Spanberger and Earle-Sears have previously turned down earlier debates, with Spanberger turning down CNN's invitation for 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.

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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 at the time.

10 On Your Side has reached out for an official statement from Earle-Sears' team regarding the upcoming debate.