Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton will host this year’s general election debates, with the U.S. Senate debate scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, followed by the gubernatorial race on Thursday, Oct. 15. Both debates will be broadcast from 7 to 8 p.m. ET, with a one-hour time zone delay in Panama City and Pensacola.
“Decision 2026: Before YOU Vote” is the longest-running television debate series in modern Florida history. Partners on the project include Florida Trend, the James Madison Institute, the Florida Newspaper Association/Foundation, the LeRoy Collins Institute, and the project’s lead production station, WPBF/25, the Hearst-owned ABC affiliate in West Palm Beach.
“Florida Atlantic University is proud to serve as a trusted convenor of these debates as voters prepare to make important decisions that will shape the future of our state and nation,” said Florida Atlantic University President Adam Hassner. “Debates are a rare opportunity to hear directly from candidates and participate in the democratic process, while also providing a great educational experience for students who get to see democracy in action.”
Sponsors that offset the cost of the discussion project include the Florida League of Cities, Florida Realtors, Florida Bankers Association, and the Claude Pepper Foundation. One sponsor left. All funding for this project is managed by the Florida Press Foundation, the fiscal agent for Decision 2026.
As Gov. Ron DeSantis nears completion of his second term, Florida is in the national political spotlight, with fierce competition expected to elect Florida’s next senator and governor on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
Dr. Robert McClure, President and CEO of the James Madison Institute, provided insight into the importance of the 2026 Before YOU Vote.
“These debates provide Floridians a rare opportunity to hear directly from candidates, compare their ideas, and make informed decisions before casting their votes,” Dr. McClure said. “We are proud to continue partnering with organizations across Florida to foster civil discussion, improve voter understanding, and strengthen our state’s democratic institutions through this long-standing tradition.”
A consortium of broadcast partners from the state’s top network affiliates will expand the debate program across Florida in all 10 Florida markets.
West Palm Beach – WPBF25/ABC Orlando – WESH2/NBC
Tampa/St. Petersburg – WFLA8/NBC Miami/Fort Lauderdale WTVJ/NBC6
Gainesville – WCJB20/ABC Fort Myers – WBBH/Gulf Coast News
Tallahassee WCTV6/CBS Jacksonville – WJXX25/ABC
Pensacola – WEAR3/ABC Panama City –WMBB13/ABC
