AUSTIN, Texas — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lupe Valdez has accepted an invitation to debate her runoff opponent Andrew White.
- Happening May 11, 7 p.m. at St. James' Episcopal Church
- Must register for tickets, link up at 6 p.m. tonight
- White's been asking to debate Valdez since the beginning of the runoff
- Debate takes place three days before early voting starts
The debate will take place at 7 p.m. May 11 at St. James' Episcopal Church.
White has been pushing to debate Valdez since he came in second to her in the March primary election. Valdez has said she’s open to the idea, but hasn’t committed until now.
"Elections should be about the concerns that keep working Texans up at night, not 30 second sound bites,” Valdez said in a statement. “I have always believed candidates should talk about our values, our experience, and our vision. That’s why I’ve been traveling across Texas, meeting folks, and listening to voters and grassroots activists.”
Her campaign said the debate is being put on by a coalition of Democratic groups in the area. White responded with enthusiasm via Twitter Wednesday night.
“The debate is on!” White tweeted. “Democratic voters are looking for the best candidate to beat Greg Abbott, and I welcome the opportunity to convey my message of common sense, sanity, and doing right by Texas.”
The winner of the May 22 runoff will take on Gov. Greg Abbott in the fall.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the debate begin at 7 p.m.
According to organizers, a limited number of tickets will be made available to the public at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 8. The link will be published to this Facebook event page here.
On the day of the debate, tickets will be honored up until 6:50 p.m. when all remaining available seats will be given to members of the public waiting in line at the venue.