Norfolk State University will host the only face-to-face debate between the Republican and Democratic candidates for Virginia governor on Oct. 9. 

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger will meet at 7 p.m. at the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center on the university’s campus. The event will be broadcast live across Virginia on Nexstar Media Group stations, potentially reaching more than 4 million viewers. 

The debate will be moderated by WAVY-TV 10 news anchor Tom Schaad and WRIC-TV anchor Deanna Allbrittin. In addition to WAVY-TV 10 in Portsmouth, the telecast will air on WRIC-TV in Richmond. 

“This is the third statewide debate we have hosted since 2020, and I am glad the university can serve as a forum where voters can learn more about the candidates,” said Norfolk State President Javaune Adams-Gaston. 

Carol Ward, vice president and general manager of WAVY-TV 10, added that the station is committed to providing impartial coverage to help voters make informed decisions. 

The debate represents the only opportunity for Virginians to see the candidates face-to-face before the election. 

Meanwhile, the University of Richmond, in partnership with the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Section, will host the 2025 Virginia Attorney General debate on Thursday, Oct. 16. Candidates Jason Miyares and Jay Jones will present their platforms, address key issues and answer questions central to Virginia voters. Virginia State Bar President K. Brett Marston will moderate the debate. 

The event is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Modlin Center for the Arts’ Camp Concert Hall, 453 Westhampton Way, Richmond. While all tickets have been claimed, a livestream will be available online at law.richmond.edu/vaagdebate2025.