Candidates avoid debates in key races, marking a shift in norms

Amy Acton: Amy Acton is the Democratic nominee for governor of Ohio in the 2026 election. She has refused to debate Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy, citing personal attacks against her and her family as well as broader concerns about his fitness for office. Her stance reflects strategic choices by challengers to limit exposure in an environment of heavy outside spending. Aaron Ford: Aaron Ford is the Democratic attorney general of Nevada and the party's nominee for governor in the 2026 election. He has accepted multiple debate invitations against Republican Joe Lombardo but awaits a firm commitment from his opponent. His position contrasts with the wider reluctance seen in other states. Andy Biggs: Andy Biggs is a Republican U.S. Representative from Arizona and the party's nominee for governor in the 2026 election. He has not secured a debate with incumbent Katie Hobbs despite her previous refusal patterns. The standoff underscores evolving campaign preferences away from traditional debates. Jon Husted: Jon Husted is a Republican U.S. senator from Ohio seeking re-election in 2026. He is expected by his Democratic opponent to participate in a debate, though no events have been confirmed. The situation fits the broader pattern of delayed commitments in Senate contests. Ken Paxton: Ken Paxton is the Republican attorney general of Texas and the party's nominee for U.S. Senate in 2026. His campaign has indicated willingness to debate Talarico but has not committed to any proposed dates or venues. The lack of scheduled events continues a trend of delayed or avoided confrontations. Roy Cooper: Roy Cooper is a former Democratic governor of North Carolina and the party's nominee for U.S. Senate in 2026. He has not accepted any of the debate invitations issued so far, though he has signaled openness to future discussions. His position mirrors hesitation seen across several competitive Senate contests. David Jolly: David Jolly is a Democratic politician serving as the party's nominee for governor of Florida in the 2026 election. In the current cycle he declined to debate Republican nominee Byron Donalds, citing bad faith and repeated falsehoods from his opponent. His decision aligns with a broader pattern of candidates avoiding direct confrontations in tightly contested races. Greg Abbott: Greg Abbott is the Republican governor of Texas seeking re-election in 2026. He previously debated his 2022 Democratic opponent but has not agreed to debate this cycle's nominee Gina Hinojosa. No detailed explanation has been offered for the change in approach. Katie Hobbs: Katie Hobbs is the Democratic governor of Arizona and candidate for re-election in 2026. She has declined to debate Republican Andy Biggs this cycle, arguing that direct engagement with voters is more effective than stage formats prone to soundbites and theater. Her rationale has shifted from concerns about spectacle in her prior race. Joe Lombardo: Joe Lombardo is the Republican governor of Nevada running for re-election in 2026. He has not publicly committed to or commented on debate invitations accepted by Democratic opponent Aaron Ford. This hesitation fits the pattern of strategic avoidance in contested races. Byron Donalds: Byron Donalds is a Republican U.S. Representative from Florida and the party's nominee for governor in the 2026 election. He has positioned himself as ready to debate but criticized Jolly for refusing to appear on stage. The absence of a debate between them would mark the first time since 1974 that Florida gubernatorial candidates have not faced off. Gina Hinojosa: Gina Hinojosa is a Democratic state representative and the party's nominee for governor of Texas in the 2026 election. She has sought debate opportunities with incumbent Greg Abbott that have not materialized. Her effort highlights ongoing negotiations over formats even as overall debate participation declines. Sherrod Brown: Sherrod Brown is a former Democratic U.S. senator from Ohio and the party's nominee for Senate in 2026. He has expressed an assumption that a debate with Republican Jon Husted will occur but none has been scheduled. His outlook illustrates ongoing uncertainty in several high-profile races. James Talarico: James Talarico is a Democratic state representative and the party's nominee for U.S. Senate from Texas in 2026. He has accepted multiple debate invitations against Republican Ken Paxton and publicly challenged him to appear on specific outlets. His proactive stance highlights exceptions within the Senate races avoiding face-to-face meetings. Brett O'Donnell: Brett O'Donnell is a veteran Republican debate-preparation consultant with experience advising candidates on stage performance. He has commented that the decline in debates stems from increased campaign spending on digital media and audience impatience with long-form content. His observations provide insight into how the media landscape is reshaping campaign norms. Michael Whatley: Michael Whatley is a former Republican National Committee chair and the party's nominee for U.S. Senate from North Carolina in 2026. He has indicated openness to debates without committing to specific events. The absence of scheduled debates in the state reflects the national shift away from required face-offs. Vivek Ramaswamy: Vivek Ramaswamy is the Republican nominee for governor of Ohio in the 2026 election. He has been prepared to debate but has faced refusals from his Democratic opponent over issues of personal attacks and policy differences. His campaign continues to push for direct engagement amid evolving media dynamics. Election Norms: Traditional expectations for face-to-face debates between major-party nominees are eroding as campaigns weigh risks of unforced errors against limited upside in a fragmented media environment. Media Landscape: Short-form video clips have amplified both the rewards and dangers of debate performances, prompting strategic avoidance in many competitive races. Campaign Strategy: Candidates and their parties increasingly rely on contrast advertising and social media to attack opponents rather than engaging in direct debates.