Overview

• Winsome Earle-Sears accepted CNN’s invitation to a live town-hall debate slated for late September or early October with voter questions and network anchors moderating.
• Abigail Spanberger confirmed her participation in AARP Virginia’s 'People’s Debate' on September 16 at Virginia State University and declined CNN’s invitation to prioritize local broadcasters.
• A scheduling conflict cited by Earle-Sears prompted the cancellation of the gubernatorial portion of the AARP event, leaving voters without that statewide forum.
• With early voting beginning September 19, no head-to-head debate has been arranged, compressing opportunities for direct voter comparisons.
• Spanberger’s polling and fundraising advantages heighten pressure on Earle-Sears to leverage the CNN platform to narrow the gap.