Overview

• Broadcast begins at 7 p.m. ET from Norfolk State University on Nexstar stations and digital platforms, moderated by Tom Schaad and Deanna Allbrittin.
• Recent Emerson/The Hill and CNU Wason Center surveys put Spanberger ahead roughly 52% to 42%, and she reports a sizable fundraising edge over Earle-Sears according to state data.
• Questions are expected to center on the federal shutdown, President Trump’s cuts to the federal workforce, the economy and cost of living, and education policies including transgender student rules.
• The debate unfolds as Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones faces backlash over 2022 texts; he has apologized, Spanberger condemned the messages, and Republicans are urging him to withdraw.
• Format rules allot 60 seconds for answers and 30 seconds for follow-ups, prohibit personal notes or props, determine the first question by coin toss, and include 30-second closing statements.