Politics

Candidates are less likely to participate in debates during political campaigns

Axios · September 25, 2026Original source ↗

Candidates are less likely to participate in debates during political campaigns

What happened

Political candidates are increasingly opting out of debates in various gubernatorial and Senate races. In key races, many major-party nominees have no agreed-upon debates scheduled, with some citing personal reasons for avoiding face-to-face discussions.

Why it matters

This trend may impact voter engagement and information dissemination during elections.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you are a voter in a closely watched race?

The lack of debates may limit your access to candidates' positions and hinder informed decision-making at the polls. Without direct interactions, you might miss out on critical insights that could influence your vote.

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